Rooster troubles - let them sort it out?

[gritsar]

Normally both my rooster Thor and my cockerel Impy are good boys.

Today is not a normal day.

The big birds, led by Thor, have decided that all the scratch on this farm belongs to them. This is regardles of whether they've had their fill of scratch or not. I fed the adults scratch first thing this morning. When I went to let the juveniles out a bit ago, the adults saw me heading out to the baby coop with the scratch scoop and followed. To prevent the adults from getting more, I put some inside the baby coop and some inside the fenced yard, where the adults can't go (they can't slip under and thru the fence like the juvies can).

So normally the roos ignore each other, each staying with their hens/pullets in their own area. Today Thor went after Impy. They've had two fights, feet kicks and flogging. Thor also chases the pullets. The younger birds can pretty easily outrun Thor, since he's huge and not as agile.

Since all the birds free range and the juvies can get out of the adult birds reach by either going into their coop or inside the fence yard, should I worry?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Should you worry? You will, no matter what I say. The question is, should you interfere.

You should know my answer. As long as there is no blood, let them go. If there is blood, then take the bleeder and keep him separate until he heals up, then let them try to settle it again. Either they reach an accommodation or they don't. You can try to break up the fights if you wish, but I personally would not unless I saw blood.

I still think Impy will some day be head rooster because the way you have described Thor in other posts I think he is too laid back to properly defend his position. Impy is still fairly young but it sounds like he is maturing.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

I agree with Ridgerunner. You're not going to change chicken nature so you may as well let them settle it since the loser can get away from the winner if things get too bad.

 

[PunkinPeep]

Yes, i agree.

It sounds to me like Impy is vying for top billing and may win it.

 

[gritsar]

I believe y'all are right that Impy will one day be head roo around here. I will continue to worry until he gets some size on him. He just seems so small compared to Thor.

We have avoided cutting Thor's spurs because they free range. We wanted him to have some defense, also his spurs have broken off naturally a couple of times so they're not too awful long. I may get DH to help me cut them off, so at least if he and Impy continue to mix it up, less chance of damage being done.

 

[PepsNick]

Yep! Ridgerunner said it perfectly.