This is a "manners" question, but when I do a search, all I get is threads talking about aggressive males, or rough ones, but this isn't what I'm asking. Instead, I was wondering at what age cockerels stop being selfish chicks and start sharing food with the girls, or even offering food like good roosters do. I had to get rid of almost all my male chicks when they were 10-14 weeks old, and at that age they were definitely acting like selfish little kids - shoving the pullets out of the way to get all the good stuff for themselves. I have one cockerel left, who is 18 weeks old now. He'll be going to a new home soon, but while I have him, I was wondering if he'd start acting nice anytime soon. He's not crowing yet and hasn't shown any other hormonal signs (mating attempts, aggression towards anything or anyone). He's really sweet with people, and my kids' favorite. With the pullets, he leaves them alone except if there's food involved. Then he'll hog the feeder or the treats, eat like there's no tomorrow and, after the initial wave of stuffing his face, he'll start actively pecking and chasing the pullets away from the food until he has it all to himself. So I was just wondering, when do they realize they have to be gentlemanly and start sharing with the ladies?
