Rooster troubles

[Seaton17826]

We got a starter group of tiny chickens at the tractor store in March. Unfortunately, three of them are roosters and have gotten so mean they try to tear up the hens and each other. We don't want to eat them or kill them. What are our options for finding them new homes? I am SO green at this. We are currently isolating each of the roosters with "creative housing" out back. Not an optimal situation at all. Thanks for any suggestions for a desperate woman.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! You can try putting up signs at your local feed store, or on craigslist. Most cockrels are meant to be dinner, but very polite, handsome, sought after breed types may be able to find good homes. There might be a local auction site available too. Cockrels can go through a 'teenage' phase, especially if no adult birds are there to teach them good manners. If you have a small flock, either get rid of all of them, or keep the most polite boy. Mary

 

[Seaton17826]

Thank you, Mary. I truly didn't have a clue.

 

[eviemethugh]

I don't know where you are located but with the avian influenza going around I personally would not go to a poultry show, and would not bring in any new birds (no trades with the roosters) until the scare is over (which our state agriculture is expecting to pickup in the fall...so it could be awhile.)
The possibility for brining it back from a show to your own flock is a scary possibility. But a lot of states are canceling all shows and poultry sales.

 

[keesmom]

List them on craigslist, your feed store and where you got them for free. Then don't ask questions.

 

[Wyandotte Momma]

I understand your situation and have been in a similar situation but luckily I had Friends to take them. But please whatever you do don't put them on Craigslist people COULD buy them and use them for fights. I understand your situation but contact your wildlife agency or animal control they can give you some giuidence and some more ethical ways of getting rid of your bad boys. If all else fails message me and I will try to help. I beg of you don't do that to your boys unless your 100%sure the people buying them are reliable.

 

[Mrs. K]

Or eat them yourselves.

I would recommend getting rid of all three. I think roosters need a keeper with some experience, and when asked, (I realize you didn't, so ignore if you want) I say start with just hens, especially if you have small children. Roosters can be dangerous, especially with small children in a backyard. Get an established flock of hens for a couple of years, then consider adding a rooster.

I vote, either cull them yourself, of sell them and don't ask questions. You are not responsible for what others do.

Mrs K

 

[bobbi-j]

Or eat them yourselves.

I would recommend getting rid of all three. I think roosters need a keeper with some experience, and when asked, (I realize you didn't, so ignore if you want) I say start with just hens, especially if you have small children. Roosters can be dangerous, especially with small children in a backyard. Get an established flock of hens for a couple of years, then consider adding a rooster. 

I vote, either cull them yourself, of sell them and don't ask questions. You are not responsible for what others do.

Mrs K

^ This