They're scared but keep following me(Cockerels)

[analyticalblonde]

I believe there are those who will know your dilemma and will give great advice...ergo, not having to separate you from the boys you love...yet, giving advice on how to keep your farm-world together without having to sacrifice. Hold out and wait to see....if it doesn't come in a day or two...re-post your situation again until you get the needed advice that works for YOU! There are a whole bunch of people who have advice/opinions here...take the best that works for you and your situation. I am cheering for you!

 

[Hyper_Chicken05]

Only in rare circumstances having a chicken as a house pet is humane. If you have raised these cockerels outside and have been outside their entire lives, it would be very very inhumane to keep him indoors. There no grass or bugs or foraging space indoor. Usually the norm is around 1 cockerel for every 3 - 10 hens but 2 for 12 you could probably get away with.

If you really want to keep all 3 the best option if you have space is to get more hens.

 

[KikiDeAnime]

Only in rare circumstances having a chicken as a house pet is humane. If you have raised these cockerels outside and have been outside their entire lives, it would be very very inhumane to keep him indoors. There no grass or bugs or foraging space indoor. Usually the norm is around 1 cockerel for every 3 - 10 hens but 2 for 12 you could probably get away with.

That's why I want to find him a good home.
And as I keep saying, I'm getting more hens/pullets soon.
I'm not sticking to 11-12 to 2 cockerels.
I need to give them bantam sized hens so that they don't have trouble breeding. Plus, I want to see what baby chicks they will produce from crossing the different breeds.

 

[Hyper_Chicken05]

That's why I want to find him a good home.
And as I keep saying, I'm getting more hens/pullets soon.
I'm not sticking to 11-12 to 2 cockerels.
I need to give them bantam sized hens so that they don't have trouble breeding. Plus, I want to see what baby chicks they will produce from crossing the different breeds.

Oops sorry I missed the part where you said you were getting more

 

[KikiDeAnime]

I really hope my responses aren't seeming snippy. It's 2:19am and I've been having trouble falling asleep no matter how long I lay in bed each night. I'm supposed to be up by 6am but since I'm unable to fall asleep, I'm on the computer working on an art commission for someone while posting here.

 

[aart]

It may be good to ask @aart about your dilemna...he has a lot of knowledge and experience that he may be able to share with your situation.

I don't cotton with cuddling cockerels, my techniques would not please the OP.
The human keepers behaviors are often the key thing to change.
Adding more females is rarely the answer.
Multiple males often cannot exist in the same space,
many have done it, but I don't have that experience.
I have five 12 week old cockerels right now, they will soon be stew.

 

[Keeperofmunchkins]

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this already, but it is possible that the cockerels' following behind you behaviour is an early sign of impending aggression. Sometimes when a cockerel or rooster attacks a person he is sneaky about it, following then kicking at ankles from behind. They might be considering if you are a threat and keeping an eye on you, but are not yet bold enough to face you front on (hence why they run when you turn around). So I would keep an eye out for any other signs of aggression.

As for keeping all three cockerels, it is not usually recommended because there are most often problems with males fighting or overmating females. But it is possible for males raised together to get along OK. The only way to know is to try it and see what happens once they are all matured.

I once had a mature rooster and a cockerel (who was his son raised by a flock hen) live together for several months with only five hens and no problems. The younger cockerel came into his hormones but learnt his place as beta roo, and I free range so the hens were able to keep away from him. I ended up rehoming him at 9 months old only because the neighbours were getting fed up of double the crowing.

 

[aart]

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this already, but it is possible that the cockerels' following behind you behaviour is an early sign of impending aggression.

Yes, absolutely, thought it but didn't mention it.

I once had a mature rooster and a cockerel (who was his son raised by a flock hen) live together for several months with only five hens and no problems. The younger cockerel came into his hormones but learnt his place as beta roo

Had this situation with my first flock, the son was relentless in harassing the hens and pullets and the father did nothing to keep him in check. Cockerel spent the winter segregated, until I learned to slaughter.

 

[chrissynemetz]

Keeping three roosters together with that number of hens is entirely possible.... but it's absolutely dependant on the temperament of the roosters. Many, if not most cocks will fight each other for the hens. Many will also over mate the girls. Again, that depends on the rooster's temperament. My advice would be to wait and see how they behave as they mature, but be prepared to separate them if necessary. And really do watch the boys for signs of aggression towards you. Following you then running when you turn around could be a bad sign. I wish you lots of luck!

 

[chrissynemetz]

And i hope you can start getting some good sleep!!