should I stay or should I go now?

[Cosmopolis Chick]

Quote:
I was trying to read through ALL of the responses - but stopped here at Janine's post. These are my thoughts EXACTLY.
Also Flock Misstress put it very well.

So, I have little to add, but I carefully read your original post and #3 is in my opinion the worst choice.
JMOSBY (just my opinion, should be yours)

 

[turbodog]

Another vote for number three!

I agree with the thinking that he'll likely move up to being a more dominant fellow once the competion is removed.

 

[janinepeters]

While I would keep #2 for the reasons I said before, I want to comment on #1, something that you might or might not want to factor in to your decision. I am wondering if he is not a brahma with unfeathered legs, but rather a columbian wyandotte. Either way, his comb does look a little mishapen with a funny point in the front, but I can't really tell that well from the picture.

 

[galanie]

I am unconcerned with the breed or breed type since the OP is going for a mixed flock anyway. But if someone wanted a pure flock, then #2 would be by far the best choice. For me it was almost a toss up between 1 and 2 anyway. But #1 has proven that he takes care of his girls and is very sweet to them.

 

[Ridgerunner]

The only real question between number 1 and 2 is "Was what the rooster did actually aggressive toward humans"? It is a little hard for me to be sure from what I've seen posted. If the neck (hackle) feathers flare out and he is challenging, then that is aggression. If it is an idle peck at a freckle or paint specks on a shoe, that is normal curiosity and not aggression. I don't mind curious roosters or hens. I don't like roosters aggressive toward humans, unless it involves long low heat and some moisture, usually with basil and oregano in the pot.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

Quote:
I have 17 hens, possibly enough room for two roosters??

Yes, 17 hens would be enough for 2 roosters.





Peanut may have been shunned from the flock because he is the least dominate of the three cockerels. If chased to the edge of the flock and then people feel sorry for him, start interacting with him - the people become his flock (this does not mean that he is unhealthy or sick). Creating the new flock with humans is easier for a less dominate cockerel to establish because there are no dominate cockerel chasing him away. But sometimes cockerels who think of humans as their flock, become most aggressive when fully mature -- not always but it does happen.



Another thing to think about - when picking a future flock leader - what are your plans for him? Just a flock leader? Are you wanting to hatch out chicks? If so would the future cockerels be possible dinner? If so then you want to pick a cockerel with a nice frame, so he as something to fill out. He will keep growing until he is 12 to 18 months old - first his bone structure and then muscling.

 

[Tripp16]

My opinion #3, sounds like he would be a great rooster! And father some nice chicks!

 

[Avalon1984]

We had 2 roosters like #1 and #2. Tasted good and dressed out decently

Now I have a rooster like #3. I feel like you should be keeping the pretty brown one but I am such a sucker on colors

 

[BooBear]

My Lester was the low ranking boy of the 5 boys. I picked him to keep and he is awesome.
I would keep 2 & 3 as it never hurts to have backup.

 

[acy0029]

I would get rid of #1 that would change the whole dynamic of the flock and give #3 a chance, since it would be one on one with #2 he has a better chance of proving himself to the flock.