To Roo or not to roo that is the ?.

[igorsMistress]

Even if you do have a chance to observe a cockerel in his current flock, his behavior can be quite different and change with time. If he is a subordinate then when given free range with hens and no dominant rooster to keep him in line you can see very different behavior. What you see is not necessarily what you get in the long run.

I had the best luck with a broody raised cockerel.

 

[room onthebroom]

Sort of a side note: My rooster is beautiful & he's enormous, but he's also a big coward (don't tell him I said that.) My ducks have been far better flock protectors. I'm assuming this is because they have better eyesight than chickens. When there's a predator around or anything suspicious, the ducks let the whole neighborhood know about it. The rooster is usually running for cover in the opposite direction of the flock. I'm sure this is not normal behavior, I'm just saying that as a warning system my ducks cant be beat. Ducks also have the ability to look right at whatever spooked them so you can quickly assess the threat. With chickens you can stand out there forever trying to figure out what's going on.

 

[Conan]

Sort of a side note: My rooster is beautiful & he's enormous, but he's also a big coward (don't tell him I said that.) My ducks have been far better flock protectors. I'm assuming this is because they have better eyesight than chickens. When there's a predator around or anything suspicious, the ducks let the whole neighborhood know about it. The rooster is usually running for cover in the opposite direction of the flock. I'm sure this is not normal behavior, I'm just saying that as a warning system my ducks cant be beat. Ducks also have the ability to look right at whatever spooked them so you can quickly assess the threat. With chickens you can stand out there forever trying to figure out what's going on.

This is SO true. Just further proof that ducks are rad. My geese are even better at sounding the alarm. They never have an off switch. I only have two, but at least one of them is always watching. They see aerial predators from so far away that I've had to really squint to find what they are looking at.

 

[Ebony Rose]

I have been thinking I want to find one that needs rehomed, because if I get too many more I will need to build a bigger coop!! I have a place for quarantine and I also have a look don't touch space, so I guess all I need to do now is find the right cockerel for my girls.

Get one that's close to the same size as your existing flock's size (anticipated adult size on your younger group). If you expect there to be a significant difference in size with the existing two groups, then try for a roo somewhere in the middle.
My thoughts on the matter go something like this... a huge rooster on small hens begs for mishaps and injuries to occur. A tiny rooster on large hens is also troublesome. Shoot for something in the middle.
You need to see how this cockerel / rooster behaves around people, pets, and members of his own flock (where he's coming from), to vet out any obvious behavioral problems, and you already know about quarantine and integration.
I expect when you find the right rooster, your two groups of girls may decide to be better friends with each other.
Good luck on your hunt for the right boyfriend for your girls.

 

[Criticalicious]

I have posted extra roosters on Craigs List and hopefully none of those boys became horror stories. So there are happy endings from that route. A rooster's behavior can depend on its environment as well as its genetics. A good roo can go bad in the wrong environment.

Having said that, the OP said they have orpingtons. They are usually quite docile, even the roos. When you're ready for a rooster, I would start by finding an NPIP breeder nearby who raises orpingtons and ask about adopting one of their extra roos next time they have one. Ask about their culling choices - how do they deal with aggressive birds?

 

[Zach123]

I got Hanklin, our Brahma roo, off Craigslist. He integrated right into the flock with no issues. He’s the best rooster I have. Doesn’t enjoy being touched by people, but never mean or aggressive, and treats his hens like gold. He will try to chase off the other roos when they get a little too rowdy with the girls but he’s kinda slow and one of the other boys usually beats him to it. What he lacks in speed he makes up for in sheer “presence.” He’s the top dog without a doubt.

 

[ssmith41068]

A lot of the BYC pundits suggest you not have a rooster in your first year keeping chickens, especially if you have children. Roosters\cockerels can become aggressive and quickly make things difficult for you and your flock. There are lots of threads and articles about how to raise good roosters\cockerels, and more than I can count about dealing w one that has gone bad. It's a good idea to read some of them before jumping in over your head.

I have a 14 year old, so I'm not worried about children. And I will be reading everything I can find on here about getting/keeping a rooster/cockerel. Definitely not taking this decision lightly, I would like a gentle rooster that will protect the girls and be nice to his humans. Maybe I'm trying to have my cake and eat it too, but I think with the proper tips it can be done.

 

[ssmith41068]

Sort of a side note: My rooster is beautiful & he's enormous, but he's also a big coward (don't tell him I said that.) My ducks have been far better flock protectors. I'm assuming this is because they have better eyesight than chickens. When there's a predator around or anything suspicious, the ducks let the whole neighborhood know about it. The rooster is usually running for cover in the opposite direction of the flock. I'm sure this is not normal behavior, I'm just saying that as a warning system my ducks cant be beat. Ducks also have the ability to look right at whatever spooked them so you can quickly assess the threat. With chickens you can stand out there forever trying to figure out what's going on.

You know now that I think about it, my ducks are pretty vocal about what they deem as threats!! I am looking to add at least 2 or 3 to my duck flock in the spring!! Maybe I will put the cockerel on hold for now.