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I must say that I really, really, really hope that Hector learns that he must not be aggressive toward his human keepers because that boy has true potential as a flock protector.
Today, Apollo decided to get sort of brave and approach Hector, lower his head and flare the hackles. Hector did the same, then jumped full on into his face. Apollo jumped up about 2' and backwards at the same time and ran. Then, Apollo tried to flare up and pick at one of Hector's girls. Again, he got the full effect of Hector-in-your-face. I said to DH that I felt Hector would probably feel that the Brahmas were also part of his flock and defend them. Well, guess what? The entire group of Brahmas had been dustbathing down the hill and began filtering up a few at a time. Apollo decided to try his luck at them, too. Swooping in from right stage downhill, Hector to the rescue! He is amazingly right at just 12 weeks old, doing all the right things a good leader/protector should do.
Though I am keeping Apollo just in case something happens to Atlas or Hector's temperament is unsuitable, in all seriousness, I'd prefer the personality of Hector over Apollo, who is pretty much a wuss for a 21 week old cockerel. Not sure if he's just super slow to mature or it's due to terrible harassment by Tessa and the others, but I expected him to be a little more dominant by this age. He's not really like the others I've had, including his own sire. When faced with a predator, right now, I feel he'd scream like a girl and run for his life, leaving the hens behind. Not so with Hector. If Hector can mind his manners with me and DH, I'll be very satisfied with my choice. Already, he seems to be a little better, though he is full of energy that I hope he will use for good and not evil, LOL.
Today, Apollo decided to get sort of brave and approach Hector, lower his head and flare the hackles. Hector did the same, then jumped full on into his face. Apollo jumped up about 2' and backwards at the same time and ran. Then, Apollo tried to flare up and pick at one of Hector's girls. Again, he got the full effect of Hector-in-your-face. I said to DH that I felt Hector would probably feel that the Brahmas were also part of his flock and defend them. Well, guess what? The entire group of Brahmas had been dustbathing down the hill and began filtering up a few at a time. Apollo decided to try his luck at them, too. Swooping in from right stage downhill, Hector to the rescue! He is amazingly right at just 12 weeks old, doing all the right things a good leader/protector should do.
Though I am keeping Apollo just in case something happens to Atlas or Hector's temperament is unsuitable, in all seriousness, I'd prefer the personality of Hector over Apollo, who is pretty much a wuss for a 21 week old cockerel. Not sure if he's just super slow to mature or it's due to terrible harassment by Tessa and the others, but I expected him to be a little more dominant by this age. He's not really like the others I've had, including his own sire. When faced with a predator, right now, I feel he'd scream like a girl and run for his life, leaving the hens behind. Not so with Hector. If Hector can mind his manners with me and DH, I'll be very satisfied with my choice. Already, he seems to be a little better, though he is full of energy that I hope he will use for good and not evil, LOL.