Roosters being weird?

[ClaraCluckChicken]

Hi! We have two younger roosters (5months) who were starting to be aggressive towards the others and fighting. We penned them separately while we built them a bachelor pad. Ever since we put them in their new space they are totally different birds. They are almost…melancholy? They have not crowed since being in there, do not fight each other, don’t put up much fight when we grab them and the Ameracauna even seems to almost enjoy when we hold him? He sits so still and doesn’t fight it.

They are eating (don’t seem to be eating a ton), they have water and i even put electrolytes in it in case they were sick. They have an outdoor run where they can see the rest of us and the other chickens and they have their own little coop. I’m not sure if they are just adjusting? But they didn’t act like this while adjusting to their small pen or even when they were at the fair staying in a fair crate.

I guess I was expecting there to be some pecking order arguments, not for them to act like I’ve killed their groove. Any ideas?

 

[azygous]

Generally, cockerels are more combative when around hens as they are vying for dominance and mating rights. Remove the hens, and cockerels and roosters tend to, but not always, become best buddies, content to just hang with each other. This also goes for their relationship to humans.

 

[Ridgerunner]

The reason you separated them was to stop the fighting and them trying to mate the pullets. It's working the way you want it to. Not everyone is that lucky when they try this.

I understand it is a huge change. You may see other changes as they mature. But I don't see any red flags where anything is wrong. Hopefully it lasts.

 

[Mrs. K]

I agree, chickens hate change. They may still be adjusting. Or they might become best friends forever, or this might be the honeymoon, and next week is a disaster. Enjoy them now, have a plan B if needed.

 

[ClaraCluckChicken]

The reason you separated them was to stop the fighting and them trying to mate the pullets. It's working the way you want it to. Not everyone is that lucky when they try this.

I understand it is a huge change. You may see other changes as they mature. But I don't see any red flags where anything is wrong. Hopefully it lasts.

They are doing exactly what I would hope they would do (except i do like them crowing..so I wouldn't mind if they'd start that back up). But I guess I read so much preparing me for fights and telling me I need to get them stuffed animals and block any view of hens..so them being so relaxed and fine with this feels wrong lol