Too many cockerels, how to decide which one to keep?

[Saam Farm]

Hello All, we are new, first time posting. We are in NJ on our small farm, and really enjoying our new flock. Our chicks are almost 15 weeks old, and it is becoming apparent we have atleast 4 males. The males are beginning to show interest in mating with the females, and Mr. P in particular who is clearly the dominant rooster, is already doing so. We are going to attempt to find homes for the males but would like some advice as to which rooster to keep - the now dominant one, the most easy going? All were hand raised, and friendly, or atleast, non threatening, so far. We consider them to be our pets, and want to do what’s best for all. Making a second coop/run is not an option at this time. We also have yet to pinpoint exactly what breed they are. My husband ordered from Hoover’s, five standard and 5 rare breed. If I had to do it again, and lesson learned, I would have ordered all females and one male to have saved the sadness of parting with any. I have attached pics of the males, the first is Mr. P, then Rex (really not quite sure yet - very large but no tail feathers, although my husband said he heard him crow?), Autumn (we thought he was a hen) and Zoomie. Any advice would be much appreciated, thanks!

 

[Three Little Bunnies]

I would say pick the one who is nice to you but protective of the hens. Make sure he is not such a gentleman that the ladies are getting worn out.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
They are all handsome! How many pullets do you have? Any small children in the family?
You could consider moving all four of them on this year, and try to raise cockerels next year when you have mature hens to help raise them, and you have more experience with the chickens.
Learning to read behaviors out there takes time, and your cockerels are immature, so it's not possible to be sure about their adult behaviors.
Are you planning to raise chicks from your flock? For what purpose? Personally, on looks alone, I'd eliminate #1, as a producer of lanky chicks, but that's my personal preference, liking more substantial dual purpose birds.
Consider eliminating two, and see how the remaining cockerels behave. Then remove one, so you have one left. Don't feel that you've failed if non of them work out for you either...
Mary

 

[Saam Farm]

Welcome!
They are all handsome! How many pullets do you have? Any small children in the family?
You could consider moving all four of them on this year, and try to raise cockerels next year when you have mature hens to help raise them, and you have more experience with the chickens.
Learning to read behaviors out there takes time, and your cockerels are immature, so it's not possible to be sure about their adult behaviors.
Are you planning to raise chicks from your flock? For what purpose? Personally, on looks alone, I'd eliminate #1, as a producer of lanky chicks, but that's my personal preference, liking more substantial dual purpose birds.
Consider eliminating two, and see how the remaining cockerels behave. Then remove one, so you have one left. Don't feel that you've failed if non of them work out for you either...
Mary

Thank you Mary, we do not plan on breeding, want a nice flock to lay eggs, and one rooster to keep order and watch out for them. Removing two first is a great idea.

 

[Saam Farm]

I would say pick the one who is nice to you but protective of the hens. Make sure he is not such a gentleman that the ladies are getting worn out.

Thanks, the most protective of the hens is the “gentleman” Mr. P, but he is not the most social with us. Perhaps as Mary suggested we will rehome 2, and see where that leaves us. Appreciate your response!

 

[Yep I Talk To Chickens]

Choose the one who is friendly doesn't mate to much and make sure he takes care of the hens.

 

[Yep I Talk To Chickens]

Keep us posted!

 

[Folly's place]

I prefer cockerels who spend their time with the flock, and aren't interested in interacting with people much at all. The cockerels need to move out of my way as I walk through the flock, and respect my space. It's too easy to misinterpret 'friendly' for 'bold', and end up with an individual who has no respect, and turns into a miserable attack bird.
Again, reading signals takes time and experience.
You need to like your birds, so pick the ones that appeal to you the most, and see what happens.
It's fun!
Mary