Rooster Lost his Swagger

[bevyjo]

Hi all,
I have a rooster who injured his wing a few weeks back. Not broken, we think just bruised or sprained. It has improved but he still seems very tentative. He doesn't flap his wings or strut like he used to. He is only about 6 months old and not crowing yet. We got him a whole bunch of new ladies, but one of our older (about a year old) hens is bossing this coop. Anything to worry about?

 

[Stipenvlerk]

How is he today?

 

[bevyjo]

Hello there. His wing seems to have fully recovered - it's not drooping anymore and the feathers I clipped are growing back. He's still hasn't ever crowed, and he's just pretty laid-back. The one hen is still the boss of the flock. Maybe that's just his personality. I guess we will wait and see. He's over 6 months old now so I would expect him to be crowing soon.

 

[FluffyButtBabies]

Lol in a way you're lucky! I'd much rather have a quiet, calm rooster than one of the feather-pluckers!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hello there. His wing seems to have fully recovered - it's not drooping anymore and the feathers I clipped are growing back. He's still hasn't ever crowed, and he's just pretty laid-back. The one hen is still the boss of the flock. Maybe that's just his personality. I guess we will wait and see. He's over 6 months old now so I would expect him to be crowing soon.

Good morning, hope you are enjoying BYC!

Your boy isn't a rooster yet.. He's a cockerel and he isn't ready to challenge your top hen for that spot of flock leader. It will come as his hormones continue to increase and his confidence builds. If you're lucky she will give it up willingly to a boy who gained her respect gently and not make him fight her for it.

Crowing is an individual thing.. I've seen it as young as 3 weeks and as late as 18 months.

If he is hanging out with the flock, eating, pooping, and acting generally well.. then you have nothing to worry about. If he isn't flapping his wings.. they may still be a little tight/sore from the injury.. which COULD effect his ability to balance during mating.. young boys are often sloppy anyways.. but he will likely come into his own.. given the time and chance to do so.

Pics always welcome!

 

[bevyjo]

Good morning, hope you are enjoying BYC!

Your boy isn't a rooster yet.. He's a cockerel and he isn't ready to challenge your top hen for that spot of flock leader. It will come as his hormones continue to increase and his confidence builds. If you're lucky she will give it up willingly to a boy who gained her respect gently and not make him fight her for it.

Crowing is an individual thing.. I've seen it as young as 3 weeks and as late as 18 months.

If he is hanging out with the flock, eating, pooping, and acting generally well.. then you have nothing to worry about. If he isn't flapping his wings.. they may still be a little tight/sore from the injury.. which COULD effect his ability to balance during mating.. young boys are often sloppy anyways.. but he will likely come into his own.. given the time and chance to do so.

Pics always welcome!

Thanks for the information. I had read that they generally start crowing around six months, though my bantam rooster has been crowing since he was 8 weeks old! Copper's wing is no longer drooping and he is getting along fine with the hens, even the bossy one. I guess I'll wait and see when he finally decides to put on his big boy pants.