Want only one roo, but want to make it count

[mythkat]

I have four roos right now, two are rescues and two are accidents. My first rescue roo was a banty cochin and he was great, friendly, good to the girls, and cute as a button but is no longer with us. Worf is my second rescue roo. He's an EE and my security rooster. He's great with the girls and huge and beautiful. Not friendly but has never attacked me, the dog, the cats, or the ducks. The two accidents are Australorps, Potpie and Fricasee. They are about 8 months old now and are heck on the girls. I had to make them all saddles. They are learning manners from Worf. They are beautiful and large but not as heavy as Worf. They talk to me but don't want to be touched and have never attacked anyone either. My last rescue roo is Yang. He's a black silkie x cochin? I brought him home for Ying my white silkie pullet but he likes me better than other chickens. Go figure.

 

[cmom]

I don't think there is a such thing as a completely docil and submissive Roo. They will recognise you as the leader but usually no one else. Of course there may be exceptions but generally speaking. Mine even has favorite hens.

 

[she-earl]

I had chickens until we moved three years ago. I am getting ready to get some again. I had Buff Orpingtons from Welp's Hatchery. I got straight runs and then we kept two roosters. The one died for whatever reason and the other one "Pretty Boy" was very nice. We would pick him up and hold him. If you would throw wormy sweet corn to them , he would come running and call all his hens. Then he would stand there and let them eat. We really liked him.

 

[chookchick]

If looks and temperament are important to you, perhaps you could wait until the pullets are older and get a nice older roo that has shown his personality. There are lots of roosters out there that need a home! Otherwise, get more than one so that you can keep the best one. My barred rock x buff orpington was the best!

 

[smith2]

I have had many roos, and I have less trouble from my BO roos than any of my others. They just seem to be calmer and less aggressive even as teenage hormone machines. I have not had trouble from my NH red roos either, but my Delaware roo is my favorite. He is also very docile and calm. He came from SeriousBill via GinasMarans out of last years hatch.

 

[Henrik Petersson]

Have you thought about size at all? If the roo is much bigger than the hen, he might injure her back or wings when mating.

 

[vortec]

Quote:
I really haven't considered it as I was considering a big Buff Orp roo, but it will be head and shoulders taller then the reds won't he? That might be a little too much difference. Am I right on this or if the RIR, NHR are the smallest in the flock am I alright with the BO roo? Any input will as always be appreciated and thanks!

vortec

 

[Henrik Petersson]

Quote:
I really haven't considered it as I was considering a big Buff Orp roo, but it will be head and shoulders taller then the reds won't he? That might be a little too much difference. Am I right on this or if the RIR, NHR are the smallest in the flock am I alright with the BO roo? Any input will as always be appreciated and thanks!

vortec

To be honest, I don't really know the sizes of most of the breeds you are planning on getting, nor how big the difference in size can be without complications, but I know it can be a problem in mixed breed flocks with bantam hens in them. I was hoping someone else was going to give you a more particular answer!

I think my Lohman hens have a RIR father, and they are just about average size. Certainly a lot smaller than the Buff Orps I saw at an exhibition recently.

The good news is, that a relatively small rooster will usually not be shy when it comes to mating with big hens!

One thing I highly recommend you not to do, is bring a lone cockerel to an established flock of hens. He will likely get bullied.

I like your idea of a mixed flock by the way. I myself have mused on having some hens walking around in the garden, each one different from all the others. Hope everything will work out fine!

 

[joshplus10]

Quote:
I love my Delaware roo, too. He's only 18 weeks old, so I may not have seen his true colors yet, but so far he's very sweet to the ladies. He sits in coop window with his favorite hen and they watch the others sleep on the roost across the coop.

 

[Three_Blessings]

I have an Iowa Blue roo coming from Ideal in April. I've never had Iowa Blues, just appealed to me.
The nicest roo we have ever had was a black sex link. He loved to be held and would always be up on my clothesline!!!