Three Roos

[turkey girl 0964]

I have three roosters, two are Orpington and one is Barred Rock. They are about seven months old. They get to free range with eight of my hens, and I am afraid that they my start to fight, or show aggression towards me. What should I do?

 

[CluckerFamily]

Keep an eye on them for aggression.
3 roosters to 8 hens seems like not so great ratio but I don't know your setup or where you live. Most people keep 1 rooster for that many hens.
You could keep an eye on them and either rehome a couple or depending on how your heart is set, you could butcher a couple roosters.
Some people will butcher them to provide a meal for their family while others just couldn't do that.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

Try to keep those feelings of fear and uncertainty away. They can sense that and will oftentimes take advantage of that. Any chance you can rehome them? Or do you want to keep them?

Please don't think that I am trying to tell you how to feel. I promise I'm not doing that. I completely understand and can relate. Anyone dismissing your feelings or saying anything like "it's just a chicken" just can't relate.

 

[turkey girl 0964]

I want to keep them, but if they start to show aggression to me or my husband... they will be a yummy meal. LOL

 

[turkey girl 0964]

Keep an eye on them for aggression.
3 roosters to 8 hens seems like not so great ratio but I don't know your setup or where you live. Most people keep 1 rooster for that many hens.
You could keep an eye on them and either rehome a couple or depending on how your heart is set, you could butcher a couple roosters.
Some people will butcher them to provide a meal for their family while others just couldn't do that.

We do butcher meat birds so if one of the roos starts to get nasty... he will be a yummy meal.

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

Welcome to BYC! I'm sure you'll know what to do

 

[ChicNmom]

I have managed to have 3 at once. But it only worked because they were large, medium and small. They all knew their place and got along. I recently lost the medium one so just have the 2.
When I had 3 or more the same size it didn't work.
One will emerge as the dominant roo. He will probably not tolerate the other 2 being around the girls even if he doesn't attack them. They may end up being off by themselves.

Or I have seen the 2 that were off by themselves gang up on a hen that wasn't with the rest and repeatedly mate her.

At some point they may need to have their own flock. You will know when the time is right if you need to do that.

Sometimes it works out but it is rough on the hens if the 3 boys have to share them.

 

[turkey girl 0964]

We also have four Black Giants that are three months old so when they are big enough they will be with the rest of our flock.

 

[turkey girl 0964]

I put them in the coop at night because we have bobcat that have killed some of the flock.

 

[wf1992]

Better prepare to pick your favorite. Or maintain separate flocks?

Personally, I've never had a cuddly rooster, but I've read some threads where those turn into disrespectful adults. I do have some experience with roosters' behavior/personality changing 8-12 months (and even beyond) as they mature, so I'll never again trust that roosters under a year getting along will last forever.