Someone is attempting to crow!

[Matzwd]

Good morning, everyone. I have eight chicks that are 11 weeks old. Five of them are pullets for sure, and three of them are silkies. Well, this morning, on my way to the run to let them out, I heard what I thought was a hawk nearby, but I didn't see anything. Then a few minutes later, it happened again, and I realized it was coming from the chicken run. Someone is beginning to crow, but I have no idea who since my back was turned. Tomorrow I will watch them closely too see if I can figure it out. I'm dying to know who it is. Should I expect any additional cockerels to start crowing soon as well? Maybe the mystery will soon be solved!

My dilemma is that I have the three silkies, and they are all really unique (love them all). However, i am only keeping one rooster since I have a total of eight chickens. I am afraid I'm going to have to let my naked neck or blue go. They are my top suspects. Can I keep two roosters with only six hens, or is it likely to not work out?

 

[benjamin123]

Wouldn't have thought it would be ideal with 6 hens. There's always surprises, they may be very docile and have enough room and hens each. I've done it once and instantly regretted it but managed to save the little one before any damage can be done. This is my long answer of saying no but it could work.

 

[Folly's place]

It might be possible to keep two cockerels, and I'd consider it for as long as possible, so you have a better chance of selecting the 'keeper'. Any human aggressive behaviors are culling points, IMO.
Those new crowing efforts are adorable!
It's likely that only one cockerel will work out best for your pullets. Unless you add more girls?!
Mary

 

[Matzwd]

I do have a taker for a cockerel if we have more than one. I'm just so attached to all of them. Funny, we my son and I were just taking about bad roosters. I think we'll wait as long as we can to decide but will stick with our plan of keeping only one. I will very likely add hens, but not this year.

 

[Matzwd]

Another question. I'm asking in advance for the recipient of the extra rooster. Does a rooster needed to be slowly integrated into the flock like chicks and hens, or can you simply add him in after quarantining in case of disease?

 

[Folly's place]

It's always best to have him next to but not in with the new flock, at least for a few days. If he's the only boy, it's much easier!
Mary

 

[Matzwd]

So, it took almost a week for the single-syllable crow to occur again. I've determined it's the naked neck. That means I very likely have two cockerels out of three silkies. The showgirl and blue both have large combs, and the blue looks like an obvious tiny rooster feather and stance wise as well, just isn't crowing yet. I have a difficult decision to make.