To Keep or not to Keep a Rooster, That is the question.

[McChooky]

Well that's amazingly simple !! Why didn't I think of that

If my yard wasn't sloped I probably wouldn't have figured it out.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Trying to figure out this cinder block system. .. tell me if I've got this right. So you put the rooster's head on the ground with the broomstick over his neck. Then you put a cinder block on each side of his head for you to stand on? Do you put the cinder blocks on the broomstick? I guess you'd have to, or at least that's the only way I can visualize it. Meanwhile the rooster is just lying there patiently waiting for you to grab his legs and rip his head off? Maybe it takes two people to do this? I mean because how do you hold the rooster and the broomstick and manage the cinder blocks at the same time all by yourself? If you're just standing on the cinder blocks and not on the broomstick, you're not going to get the job done ... or what am I missing?

 

[McChooky]

Trying to figure out this cinder block system. .. tell me if I've got this right. So you put the rooster's head on the ground with the broomstick over his neck. Then you put a cinder block on each side of his head for you to stand on? Do you put the cinder blocks on the broomstick? I guess you'd have to, or at least that's the only way I can visualize it. Meanwhile the rooster is just lying there patiently waiting for you to grab his legs and rip his head off? Maybe it takes two people to do this? I mean because how do you hold the rooster and the broomstick and manage the cinder blocks at the same time all by yourself? If you're just standing on the cinder blocks and not on the broomstick, you're not going to get the job done ... or what am I missing?

Secure the broomstick with the same block & your weight secures it

 

[McChooky]

Trying to figure out this cinder block system. .. tell me if I've got this right. So you put the rooster's head on the ground with the broomstick over his neck. Then you put a cinder block on each side of his head for you to stand on? Do you put the cinder blocks on the broomstick? I guess you'd have to, or at least that's the only way I can visualize it. Meanwhile the rooster is just lying there patiently waiting for you to grab his legs and rip his head off? Maybe it takes two people to do this? I mean because how do you hold the rooster and the broomstick and manage the cinder blocks at the same time all by yourself? If you're just standing on the cinder blocks and not on the broomstick, you're not going to get the job done ... or what am I missing?

Normally you'd put the birds neck under the center of

 

[KyCoop]

There is a YT video a lady did. Sorry can't find the link but, she shows the whole process unedited which is unusual for YT but it's very informative and she handles the bird with respect. Maybe that's why the video is shown in its entirety.

 

[Bigbluefrog]

If it was me I would get rid of him. There is no need to put up when a rooster that is less than " perfect" because there are so many roosters out there and a lot of then are good and won't ever cause problems. I never keep a rooster that has ever caused a problem. I just get rid of it and replace it with a good one. Also if you want to ever hatch eggs you wouldn't want to pass on bad genetics to the new chicks.

Where do you get a good rooster?
Breed?.
I had 5 roosters rehomed 2 and 2 culled. Because I couldn't keep them one was agreessive to humans so that one was easy to decide about.
I have a 7 month old cockerel that is good with all but 2 hens. The smallest one seems to be one he chased. I often wonder is she so small that they want to remove her?
She is missing feathers everywhere.
I keep her seperate or the roo is locked up.
He does the dance, he breaks up fights and if a hen squaks he is right there to check on them. So many good qualities.... except for targeting that little hen. Sigh so I am in the same boat trying to decide if I should keep him

 

[GodLovesU]

For anyone who may find it useful, here’s an article I wrote on rehoming:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/three-reasons-to-rehome.79725/
I’m not advising against anyone’s decision, I just thought it might be useful.

 

[Bigbluefrog]

Where do you find a breeder? I heard that is one way to get better genetics and better rooster.

 

[McChooky]

Where do you get a good rooster?
Breed?.
I had 5 roosters rehomed 2 and 2 culled. Because I couldn't keep them one was agreessive to humans so that one was easy to decide about.
I have a 7 month old cockerel that is good with all but 2 hens. The smallest one seems to be one he chased. I often wonder is she so small that they want to remove her?
She is missing feathers everywhere.
I keep her seperate or the roo is locked up.
He does the dance, he breaks up fights and if a hen squaks he is right there to check on them. So many good qualities.... except for targeting that little hen. Sigh so I am in the same boat trying to decide if I should keep him

Edited: I raised 2 cockerels with a dozen pullets in 23 but gave 1 away after deciding which one to keep .No one needs a rooster unless you need a sustainable flock( or can't buy chicks ) The rooster I got rid of was teaching my pullets to be a jerk (chasing or pecking them)I got rid of the bullies too by getting rid of the fully feathered ones that hung out with him

 

[Cinnamon Roll]

Where do you get a good rooster?
Breed?.
I had 5 roosters rehomed 2 and 2 culled. Because I couldn't keep them one was agreessive to humans so that one was easy to decide about.
I have a 7 month old cockerel that is good with all but 2 hens. The smallest one seems to be one he chased. I often wonder is she so small that they want to remove her?
She is missing feathers everywhere.
I keep her seperate or the roo is locked up.
He does the dance, he breaks up fights and if a hen squaks he is right there to check on them. So many good qualities.... except for targeting that little hen. Sigh so I am in the same boat trying to decide if I should keep him

I’ve found the best roosters are hen raised. If you have a hen that has previously gone broody you can plan for her to raise your next rooster. Or you can find someone giving away a nice rooster.

Breeds that are usually called laid back or calm often produce good roosters. Breeds that are flighty or have a reputation of being top hens of a flock may not have the easiest roosters to deal with.