Thoughts on cockerel management?

[The Rinaest Rina]

I have fifteen large teen chickens, five cockerels and ten pullets.
Out of these cocks, I know I must be rid of four. Two of them I know I don't want to keep- and the reason is my fault. I petted and held them and now that hormones are raging, they think they can bite onto my hand like they do to the backs of the pullets. The other three guys are still hand-wary because they were perhaps held less as chicks- they were less cute and friendly.
Before I only noticed pecking only when I put my hand out to them (like an idiot) but tonight I was feeding them and the two marauders in question both tried to bite my hand one after the other. I snaked it down under their chins and caught them gently by the necks. (In my defense this is a reflex from bitey puppy training...) It startled them in the moment, but will likely have no disciplinary effect.

I know many people are saying that cockerels can't understand touch to be purely affectionate like a mammal would, and thus it causes problems. That would appear to be the case for me, but I have heard before that one can pet cocks without issue as long as you address the issues right. I am hoping that those who believe this will please help me to address my problem chickens!
I know standing up tall, hands on hips and a displeased voice may be effective to a degree, but what else can I do?
One of them I know I will sell, but before then I do want to see if I can reduce the effects of my errors.
The other one I don't want to keep, but I used to really love him (he was vivacious) and I did say I would keep him then. I want to abide by my word, but when push comes to shove... Well, he's a big boy and might be tasty or downright mean.

My second issue is the pullets. I have two that are older, but not quite at point of lay yet. Any time now. But what should I do to make sure the girls won't be stressed out or harmed by the cocks? The older two are taking it okayish, but the younger ones are pretty freaked out. Reducing the number of boys is solution number one, but I want to hear any advice there is on that.

 

[50-45-1]

I never befriend my rooster.
I have found that it's best that he has a healthy respect and fear of me. We get along just fine if that's the case.
I only feed my hens from my hand.
My rooster gets handled a couple times a year, at night, just for health check and spur timings. He does not like this process.
My rooster must be non-human aggresive as I have family and friends that also visit the farm.
You only should attempt to keep one of your boys for peace in the flock.
One that respects you, and is good to the girls.
You dont really "need" a rooster at all, Unless you want chicks, or like the sound of crowing, or believe they are good protection for the flock.
The girls will lay the same amount of eggs with or without him.
Good luck with your choice!

 

[fat brown hen]

Yes the females will be stressed out, if they aren't already. Solution is to separate the males from the females.

 

[RcoM]

I have fifteen large teen chickens, five cockerels and ten pullets.
Out of these cocks, I know I must be rid of four. Two of them I know I don't want to keep- and the reason is my fault. I petted and held them and now that hormones are raging, they think they can bite onto my hand like they do to the backs of the pullets. The other three guys are still hand-wary because they were perhaps held less as chicks- they were less cute and friendly.
Before I only noticed pecking only when I put my hand out to them (like an idiot) but tonight I was feeding them and the two marauders in question both tried to bite my hand one after the other. I snaked it down under their chins and caught them gently by the necks. (In my defense this is a reflex from bitey puppy training...) It startled them in the moment, but will likely have no disciplinary effect.

I know many people are saying that cockerels can't understand touch to be purely affectionate like a mammal would, and thus it causes problems. That would appear to be the case for me, but I have heard before that one can pet cocks without issue as long as you address the issues right. I am hoping that those who believe this will please help me to address my problem chickens!
I know standing up tall, hands on hips and a displeased voice may be effective to a degree, but what else can I do?
One of them I know I will sell, but before then I do want to see if I can reduce the effects of my errors.
The other one I don't want to keep, but I used to really love him (he was vivacious) and I did say I would keep him then. I want to abide by my word, but when push comes to shove... Well, he's a big boy and might be tasty or downright mean.

My second issue is the pullets. I have two that are older, but not quite at point of lay yet. Any time now. But what should I do to make sure the girls won't be stressed out or harmed by the cocks? The older two are taking it okayish, but the younger ones are pretty freaked out. Reducing the number of boys is solution number one, but I want to hear any advice there is on that.

I recommend keeping two roosters and this is why. You are in the unique position of them having grown up together as brothers pick two that get along well and a suitable for your needs in terms of looks and attitude. It always helps to have a backup rooster in case something happens to one of the others. It also helps them manage the flock Certain roosters prefer to have somebody assisting to round up the flock etc. There will be one pack
Leader and one less dominant. The less dominant one 'may' not be allowed to mate but he will help in every other way and he will take the role of lead if needed also! my second rooster wouldn't crow around the first .

 

[Shadrach]

Keep the cockerel the hens like best. Eat the others.

 

[RcoM]

to add to the above. The Roos usually won't mate or try til the girls are ready. Even if they try they will learn their lesson. Gitls
Won't co-operate. I
Only ever had 1 try and he got checked and rebuffed repeatedly until the girls were ready

 

[Perris]

Two of them I know I don't want to keep

The other three guys are still hand-wary

So cull the two 'marauders', and let the rest grow up. Their personalities are still forming; they are just teenagers at the moment. With 10 pullets that leaves you with a 1:3 male:female ratio, which is common for reason: it works.

You do not have to reduce to 1 roo if you let them range; they will spar to established a hierarchy but if the loser can run away, no-one gets seriously hurt (usually). Also, they are growing up together so will consider each other family (even if biologically they are not) and work together. I have 7 roos that all grew up here and that work together to keep the flock (of about 30 altogether) safe.

My second issue is the pullets. I have two that are older, but not quite at point of lay yet. Any time now. But what should I do to make sure the girls won't be stressed out or harmed by the cocks? The older two are taking it okayish, but the younger ones are pretty freaked out. Reducing the number of boys is solution number one, but I want to hear any advice there is on that.

Leave it to the flock to handle flock dynamics; human interference can make things worse instead of better, however well-intentioned. And if the pullets are free to run and dodge unwelcome advances, again injuries are less likely. You might find this useful https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_selection_in_birds