Rooster questions.

[Duck_life]

Quick questions for 2 of my roo's (That I know of)
1. My mature rooster (he just started crowing and I think around 4-5 months old) Is very friendly, but I have heard of people saying things like they use to be so sweet and then turned to devils! My rooster 'Cookie' loves eating from my hand, jumping on my lap, following me around and leading his flock to the food, so my question is will he still act friendly towards people? He is VERY protective, he once attacked my drake muscovy when he bit at my leg and wouldn't let go, him and the lead hen, Rose, started pecking him and jumping on him (The chickens are VERY used to the ducks and even eat with them in the field)
2. I have another cockerel who is just over 6 weeks, who is very docile, he is in the silkie and RIR pen (They of course chase them around when they're in their where, only the one red will do that though) I am wondering how him and my other cockerel will get along, he is pretty docile towards others.
3.Will I have enough hens If my other 2 turn into cockerels? They seem to be pullets right now but you never know, I have 22 hens.

Thanks.

 

[FortCluck]

Quick questions for 2 of my roo's (That I know of)
1. My mature rooster (he just started crowing and I think around 4-5 months old) Is very friendly, but I have heard of people saying things like they use to be so sweet and then turned to devils! My rooster 'Cookie' loves eating from my hand, jumping on my lap, following me around and leading his flock to the food, so my question is will he still act friendly towards people? He is VERY protective, he once attacked my drake muscovy when he bit at my leg and wouldn't let go, him and the lead hen, Rose, started pecking him and jumping on him (The chickens are VERY used to the ducks and even eat with them in the field)
2. I have another cockerel who is just over 6 weeks, who is very docile, he is in the silkie and RIR pen (They of course chase them around when they're in their where, only the one red will do that though) I am wondering how him and my other cockerel will get along, he is pretty docile towards others.
3.Will I have enough hens If my other 2 turn into cockerels? They seem to be pullets right now but you never know, I have 22 hens.

Thanks.

Getting cockerels and roosters to like each other is a hit and miss. I have had it where two roosters get along seamlessly, but when I try to add another one it created havoc in the flock.

Usually when I have cockerel that's nice to me during their hormonal stage, they usually get no worse than that. I have never seen a rooster turn all of a sudden, unless they're a cockerel and they're hitting maturity.

You do have enough hens, usually I do about 5-8 hens per rooster, it all depends on the rooster and the flock.

I think that it's a lot of trial and error. just because one rooster doesn't work, it doesn't mean that another one won't work. If you do have two Cockerels, I would only introduce one at a time. Put one of them in with the others after you've done the see but not touch method and see how that one does for about a week or two. If it doesn't do good, take it out. I would then introduce the other one after about 2 weeks of the other one being in there regardless if it works or not.

I honestly would only add one of the two and I would rehome the other one or process it for the freezer.

 

[Duck_life]

Getting cockerels and roosters to like each other is a hit and miss. I have had it where two roosters get along seamlessly, but when I try to add another one it created havoc in the flock.

Usually when I have cockerel that's nice to me during their hormonal stage, they usually get no worse than that. I have never seen a rooster turn all of a sudden, unless they're a cockerel and they're hitting maturity.

You do have enough hens, usually I do about 5-8 hens per rooster, it all depends on the rooster and the flock.

I think that it's a lot of trial and error. just because one rooster doesn't work, it doesn't mean that another one won't work. If you do have two Cockerels, I would only introduce one at a time. Put one of them in with the others after you've done the see but not touch method and see how that one does for about a week or two. If it doesn't do good, take it out. I would then introduce the other one after about 2 weeks of the other one being in there regardless if it works or not.

I honestly would only add one of the two and I would rehome the other one or process it for the freezer.

Thank you, right now I only have 2 cockerels that I know of. Would a buff orpington have a big-ish (it is still smaller than my other cockerels and she is the smallest of all the chicks I have) but pale comb? She is also one of the last to get food and water but always the warmest (always getting under the others) My certain cockerel has a more red and big comb. They are almost 2 months old.

 

[FortCluck]

Thank you, right now I only have 2 cockerels that I know of. Would a buff orpington have a big-ish (it is still smaller than my other cockerels and she is the smallest of all the chicks I have) but pale comb? She is also one of the last to get food and water but always the warmest (always getting under the others) My certain cockerel has a more red and big comb. They are almost 2 months old.

Post a pic and I'm sure everyone can help out

 

[Duck_life]

Post a pic and I'm sure everyone can help out

Alright, I'll get one soon.. phone is dead and I'm using my laptop.

 

[Alexandra33]

1. Of course, some friendly youngsters transform into the devil incarnate after maturity (the same goes for flighty cockerels) hits, but this is by no means the case in every situation. I've raised plenty who were affectionate as cockerels, and remained so as roosters. We have no way of predicting who will display human-aggressive qualities, and it's unfair to assume personality when young is a determining factor. Let's just say, this is a wait-and-see situation. Fingers crossed nothing changes.

2. Again, it's difficult to know whether or not they'll get along....until an introduction takes place. Some get along beautifully, while others want each other dead.

3. This is completely dependent on the nature of the cockerels. I, personally, don't follow the "standard" ratio of 1 rooster to every 10 hens. If you keep a single, rough-mannered male around, your poor hens will likely continue to suffer no matter how many are available. In this case, it would be far better to own four gentle roosters than one jerk. Evaluation is needed to know who stays, and who goes (if any).

~Alex

 

[Duck_life]

Now looking at my pictures it looks like all 3 of these are cockerels 3/4 are cockerels... And all came from the pulley bin, I didn't take one of the pulley because she is and I know for a fact pullet. If they all are cockerels I will keep the buff and silkie... Whoever misbehaves will go.

 

[Duck_life]

 

[Duck_life]

No guesses?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It's a bit hard to tell by your photos. A full side standing shot would help if possible. I know how hard it is to get those shots too.

These are 6 weeks?