Sudden changes in Rooster. Am I doing the right thing?

[briana1975]

Yesterday was time to go to the processor for 11 roosters and 2 BBW turkeys. I decided what roo to keep by his attidude. He would back away from me, not aggressive, he would feed the hens, and he was very large and handsome. We had 4 turkeys in brooders that needed to get outside, so butcher day seemed a good day to introduce them to the flock. All seemed to go well. The turkey poults stayed in the coop while the chickens were in the yard, then out free ranging for the evening. I noticed last night though that the roo stopped moving out of my way. He actually started to challange me yesterday evening. Once it was time to roost everyone went in for the night, they took notice of the 4 newcomers and took to their roost. The rooster went up to the poults they backed away and he went up to roost. This morning I had a whole new rooster. He was crowing, that's ok, but then he got down and wouldn't let anyone eat from the feeders. I put 2 in the coop, they are over 6' apart. Then he attacked the older turkey poults. No blood, but with such a sudden change in attudude from him I chased him down and brought him inside to our big brooder for chicken time out. Should I have just let this go on? Or did I do the right thing? He is a 16 week old RIR. I did a search and a lot of people say it is part of the pecking order and just watch as long as there is no blood shed. But with his change in attidude tword me also I really want this guy put in his place before he becomes too aggresive and is my first lesson in butchering my own chicken. Any and all imput is great. Thanks .

 

[Lollipop]

Since you like this rooster, I believe I would try to salvage him. My first thought is that his hormones suddenly accelerated as does any teenage boy and most all roosters when they start chasing hens. It appears that his protective instincts are out of control. You did right by snatching him up and removing him from the flock. If you decide to keep him, you should keep him isolated for at least 2 weeks, perhaps longer, so that his memory of the situation wanes. Maturity is the key here. Once he is mature, he should see the world with a more level head, if he still has a head. The short time I prescribe may not be enough, but it`s worth a try. There are other threads on breaking a mean rooster, but at 16 weeks he`s barely that. Good luck........Pop

 

[Judy]

I think you've got the right idea. He saw the opportunity to become the alpha roo and went for it. And you certainly have to let him know you are actually the alpha roo.

If you keep him by himself for a few days, hopefully when you return him, he will then be at the bottom of the pecking order. They will still have to sort things out, but maybe it will be a bit more peacefully at that point.

Good luck!

 

[Judy]

Lollipop was typing when I was. Her certainly has a lot more experience than I, so I imagine he is right about the time frame.

 

[briana1975]

Thanks for the advice. He is in chicken time out still in the basement. The crowing in the house my drive me nuts.