To Keep Roosters, or Not to Keep?

[Chickassan]

3 is better than 2 simply because it keeps the cockrels busy.With 2 it's a head to head race for dominance. With 3 it's 2 vying for dominance but still trying to make sure number 3 isn't up to anything funny. So number 3 ends up being a distraction causing 1 and 2 not to squabble nearly as much.

 

[DesertBird]

3 is better than 2 simply because it keeps the cockrels busy.With 2 it's a head to head race for dominance. With 3 it's 2 vying for dominance but still trying to make sure number 3 isn't up to anything funny. So number 3 ends up being a distraction causing 1 and 2 not to squabble nearly as much.

Good to know! I've definitely seen that behavior in my 3; 2 of them constantly battle for dominance while 1 of them just wanders around, looking for food and whatnot, but the other 2 definitely keep running over to him every time he disappears from their eyesight. lol

 

[aart]

But I suppose it would be way easier to get rid of the extra males; I've been trying to refrain from holding them, naming them, etc. to avoid getting further attached. Not so sure it's working.

Never easy to slaughter a bird you've raised, especially the 1st time.
I'm on my 6th and in just a few weeks the extra cockerels will be deliciously grilled and in my belly. Looking forward to the eating, and avoiding the chaos of multiple young males, but certainly not looking forward to 'doing the deed'.

3 is better than 2 simply because it keeps the cockrels busy.With 2 it's a head to head race for dominance. With 3 it's 2 vying for dominance but still trying to make sure number 3 isn't up to anything funny. So number 3 ends up being a distraction causing 1 and 2 not to squabble nearly as much.

The diversion aspect kinda makes sense, still seems like unnecessary chaos tho.

 

[DesertBird]

Never easy to slaughter a bird you've raised, especially the 1st time.
I'm on my 6th and in just a few weeks the extra cockerels will be deliciously grilled and in my belly. Looking forward to the eating, and avoiding the chaos of multiple young males, but certainly not looking forward to 'doing the deed'.

The diversion aspect kinda makes sense, still seems like unnecessary chaos tho.

I'd definitely feel very sad culling mine; especially because I'd know whose meat is in the tubs! I'm hoping to talk to my neighbors that have chickens and that they'd be willing to take one or two of 'em so I can still see them, but I don't know if they'd be willing to. lol Fingers crossed! And enjoy your chickens! I'm sure it's a great feeling knowing that they were happy and raised well before being on the dinner table. I just don't think I'd be able to cull mine, considering this is my first flock and I'm so attached already.

 

[aart]

I'm hoping to talk to my neighbors that have chickens and that they'd be willing to take one or two of 'em so I can still see them, but I don't know if they'd be willing to.

No one wants extra cockerels...there's ton of them out there.
I always put a few up for sale cheap, rarely get a taker.

 

[DesertBird]

No one wants extra cockerels...there's ton of them out there.
I always put a few up for sale cheap, rarely get a taker.

My grandpa thought he found someone to sell them through, almost went through with it, (without my knowledge or consent! ) until he got to talking further with the guy, and the guy admitted he did cock fighting! That's the main reason I'm not just giving them away for free on Craigslist; I'd like to see where they're going. If someone culls them later in their lives, it's sad but it's what people use them for and I get that, but I am definitely not supplying 3 more roosters to the horror of cock fighting.

 

[aart]

I'd like to see where they're going. If someone culls them later in their lives, it's sad but it's what people use them for and I get that, but I am definitely not supplying 3 more roosters to the horror of cock fighting.

Yeah, don't have to worry about that around here.
I ask $10ea OBO and always have more than one and will make a deal.
Use a couple local FB poultry groups, dont' care much for CL.

 

[Chickassan]

Well I'm glad you didn't let them become bait birds. In all seriousness if keeping the three amigos together with your hens dosent work out and you're dead set on not eating them you can always make a bachelor pen. That way everyone lives, at least one gets to be the king roo,and if anything happens you've got replacements. Roosters do get lost in the line of duty quite a bit so backups aren't necessarily a bad thing.

 

[aart]

you're dead set on not eating them

Have no problem eating them, every year I eat most of them.
Except last year I gave them to someone who wanted to 'try out' having chickens and they ate them.

 

[Chickassan]

Have no problem eating them, every year I eat most of them.
Except last year I gave them to someone who wanted to 'try out' having chickens and they ate them.

I know you would eat them aart, guess that person who wanted to try out chickens really did get to try out chickens. I don't think the Op is going to be able to eat their first chickens though, I understand the first ones are doozys when you've become attached. I got lucky this year and was able to give my extras away a couple people actually needed roosters. I'm really glad since I don't eat chicken.