Weird rooster behaviour

[roo63822]

I have 3 roosters and 2 hens. I know that this ratio isn't very good, we originally had 1 rooster and 2 hens so we thoguht that we would get 2 more hens to prevent problems for the two hens, however the two "hens" grew combs and have started to crow. I've heard that having this many roosters causes them to get into fights with one another over the hens, potentially leading to serious damage to them, however this doesn't seem to happen. The oldest rooster ( I assume he is the alpha because he generally is the first to respond to any trouble and because he generally leads the flock, as well as both the hens crowding around him) tends to ignore the two other roosters trying to mate with his hens, and doesn't attack them either. The two younger roosters not only tolerate the other mating with the hens, but actively co operate in trying to mate with them(usually when only one of the younger roosters try to mate with a hen the hen chases him off). The other day I also saw one of the younger roosters preen the oldest one. I'm not too sure whats happening here, why the oldest rooster would tolerate this behaviour, and this is my first flock so I don't have any prior expierience to this. Anyone know?

 

[roo63822]

We got each chicken as a baby chick, and we got the second group when the first group was alreadylaying and crowing

 

[lazy gardener]

Eventually, those 2 cockerels (not a rooster till he's a year old) will start gang breeding the pullets if they get a chance. This is perfect opportunity for serious damage to your pullets. Is there any reason why you have a cockerel at all? In such a small flock, I'd advise not having any males.

 

[SIMZ]

Is it possible that the behavior you're seeing isn't as nice as you're thinking it is? The only time I've seen 2 roosters "co-operating" with one another to mate usually involves one holding a hen down and the other mating - it's usually pretty violent for the hen. As your two younger roosters mature you'll probably see things go downhill.

That many roosters with only 2 hens is not a good situation. The roosters are going to tear them up - there should only be one rooster in there. If you want to keep them all, I'd suggest housing 2 of the roosters together in a separate pen.

 

[roo63822]

They do both try to gang breed the pullets but are usually unsuccesful. I have sometimes housed one of the two younger cockerels in a seperate pen and usually that makes the other one unable to breed with the hens.

 

[SIMZ]

It's possible for them to end up killing your hens. It's too much. There really isn't a reason why they need to be breeding the hens and is better for the hens if they aren't able to.

 

[lazy gardener]

Seriously? The minute I see any gang breeding behavior in my flock, the cockerels are IMMEDIATELY removed to a bachelor pad. To do less, imo is accepting abuse of your pullets. Especially, if they are not yet laying.

 

[SimplyLivinthatFarmLife]

Is it possible that the behavior you're seeing isn't as nice as you're thinking it is? The only time I've seen 2 roosters "co-operating" with one another to mate usually involves one holding a hen down and the other mating - it's usually pretty violent for the hen. As your two younger roosters mature you'll probably see things go downhill.

That many roosters with only 2 hens is not a good situation. The roosters are going to tear them up - there should only be one rooster in there. If you want to keep them all, I'd suggest housing 2 of the roosters together in a separate pen.

I agree with @SIMZ regarding housing the two roosters together. Because my flock has been decreased this is what I've had to do. I keep the roos totally separate from my four girls until I can build my flock back up. But, I'm also new to this and learning as I go! Best of luck to you!

 

[roo63822]

Theyre laying, theyre same age as the oldest rooster, around 2 to 3 years old. The two others are one year younger

 

[roo63822]

Ill look into a more pernament solution for a bachelor pad, although i dont know if housing both of the cockerels would be neccesary, because on their own the hens vhase them off. Also, thanks for the luck.