Roosters Agression

[juleeque]

I have read many posts about roosters' aggressions, both to other chickens and people. If I could ask forgiveness if this has been addressed already? I have 2 - 3 1/2 mo old Americana roosters and 1 buff rooster. I had decided to keep the buff, and rehome the 2 americauna's. All of my chickens were free ranging for a month, when the roosters were doing the pecking order thing. I understand that, but to keep the stress level down for my hens (the americauna roos were very mean to them) I put the buff roo and 7 hens locked in coop. I have not been able to rehom the americauana roos so they hang out right next to the hens/coop. Is that a ok? (to have them still present), or should I go ahead and cull (that's kill them right?). I'm vegetarian, so I don't eat them.
Also, being as my hens have not started laying, is it safe to free range (after other roos are gone), and will they know to lay in coop or should I just keep them in coop till after they start laying?
thx for ya'lls time.

 

[meganleen88]

Most hens lay where they feel most comfortable. Make sure you make nests inside the coop so they have that option. If they roam around outside and its getting close to laying time watch where they like to go the most and if the eggs aren't in the coop then they'll be at their favorite place outside. I would lock up the mean rooster and let your girls run free. They'll be much happier getting outside. As far as what to do with the mean rooster? That's completely up to you but I would get rid of him.

 

[centrarchid]

Roosters you have are all juveniles. They will not be causing real damage yet.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Quote:

.... should I go ahead and cull (that's kill them right?). I'm vegetarian, so I don't eat them.

I am curious about what are you planning on doing with your eggs since you can't eat them either?

Hen like to lay in dark, covered, and quite areas, usually close to the ground. The idea of a nest box is to mimic this environment. The raised nest box was invented to help people with bad backs and painful knees gather eggs in comfort. The hen wasn't consulted in the matter.

 

[juleeque]

Thx for the info, I may make some adjustments to our coop. Our chickens are being raised organic, Eggs will be sold.