Separating Roo's

[ilovechickens]

I have to many rooster chicks, that range between 5 and 10 weeks, If i separate them from the pullets so that they can't see them, will they cock fight? Right now they are in pens with pullets, but they are beginning to fight among themselves.

 

[Davaroo]

There is only one absolute answer: "maybe."

A that age, they will squabble regardless. It will be worse with females around, as the stakes are much higher for them. But even if separated, the young cockerels will fight for dominance. After ahwile, it does settle down into a bachelors existence, of sorts.

But be warned - if you are intent on keeping them, you really must separate them, like far apart.
If they can hear the pullets or see them, but not be able to get at them, it will border on cruel. You have to separate them in no uncertain terms.

If you think about these things for long, you'll see why the old timers didn't keep large numbers of cockerels around. Once a few good ones proved themselves, the rest went elsewhere, got caponized or where butchered at 12 weeks. "The Chickens' World is Savage Place," after all.

It's somethin' to ponder as you go forward....

 

[California Ducken]

It's all about the "Pecking Order".
Good Luck!
Bump

 

[RendonRoo]

I agree. If your have more than 1 rooster for each 4-10 hens you will have problems. I had 6 extra roos that i had no luck in giving away. Luckily i found a local place that butchers for the public. They charged a dollar per bird. If you ever plucked a chicken you know thats a deal. The wife and kids won't let me bring them in the house so i have them in a neighbors freezer. Good Luck