Rooster Problem

[The Chickeneer]

Ok, so I'l start off by saying that they have been bulling each other allot lately. I have 5 roosters, and they have around 11 hens with them. We used to have more hens, but many have decided to go on maternity leave and are broody in other coops.They don't really fight, they just peck each other allot.

There is one little rooster in particular which I feel especialy sorry for, he always gets pecked by everyone, even the hens Some roosters chase him around and corner him, pecking him very hard. He sprints at the sight of any of them.

They are all under one year, but almost a year old(hatched a week before Easter last year) They were all raised together, so they tolerate each other very well, and always seem to get along........but as they get older, they just get meaner. They are american game mutts, so I know they will be somewhat agressive. But they've been raised together since they hatched, so the pecking order has long been established.......

I really don't know what to do, they have enough space to roam. I've eaten 2 so far. They just seem to pretty to eat though, I think I might sell a few, but where? The swap meet is definetly not an option, they have the chickens all stressed in small cages everywhere selling them, people buy them, and sell them again......How do I deal with this? please help!

 

[naillikwj82]

Alas, the rooster delemma. Unfortunately without a reduction in numbers the situation will get become more hostile. That being said, if you want less grief, you need less roosters. Make an attractive rooster a tasty meal.

 

[Louise's Country Closet]

We had that problem last winter. Our two roosters got along fine up until they were cooped up together, then they decided to try and kill each other one night. We had to separate them, so they each have their own group of girls and coops

 

[fried green eggs]

Well now they are wanting breeding rights and will eliminate the competition by starting on the weakest link. Craigslist is a good place to sell local. Post pics under Farm & Garden and I'm sure someone will be interested. Try to keep the one(s) nicest to the hens - not just the prettiest.

 

[7L Farm]

I personally wouldn't want to feed them. I'm in it for the eggs.

 

[a123andpoof]

Don't do craigslist as suggested above. I had a very bad experience. We gave a rooster away and I am pretty sure the guy who took him used him in fights. We asked what he planned. we didn't care if he used him for dinner or not but he would not tell us what he planned to use him for. And he made me and my mom a bit nervous. I agree with eliminating and as said above get more hens and give each their own group or make a few dinner.

 

[fried green eggs]

Don't do craigslist as suggested above. I had a very bad experience. We gave a rooster away and I am pretty sure the guy who took him used him in fights. We asked what he planned. we didn't care if he used him for dinner or not but he would not tell us what he planned to use him for. And he made me and my mom a bit nervous. I agree with eliminating and as said above get more hens and give each their own group or make a few dinner.

I'm sorry for what you went through but, even if you are giving away a animal you have the right to refuse if, something doesn't feel right. Lots of people use craigslist to sell or re-home their chickens and they are going to decent people.

 

[The Chickeneer]

Don't do craigslist as suggested above. I had a very bad experience. We gave a rooster away and I am pretty sure the guy who took him used him in fights. We asked what he planned. we didn't care if he used him for dinner or not but he would not tell us what he planned to use him for. And he made me and my mom a bit nervous. I agree with eliminating and as said above get more hens and give each their own group or make a few dinner.

Yeah.....I'm not a big fan of craigslist either.....Is it possible to sell it to a feed store? The feed store where I buy things always has animals, chickens, bantams, rabbits,parakeets etc. I think people just bring their chickens there, and the store offers a price and they pay them. I saw one of the workers pull of a box off someones truck, and put all the chickens that were in the box in one of the stores pens. Was it one of the stores suppliers or something? I think I might ask the manager about it, but I don't know

 

[BirdMan32]

As many have said, an agressive rooster will become and more agressive. Isolation, the stew pot or give him away are some of your options. Don't forget, most males are territorial by nature.

 

[The Chickeneer]

Well I guess I might be selling some......I sure somebody I know would want a couple roosters

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