When do I need to remove my second rooster from flock?

[jasminenewell]

I have 5 chickens: 2 pullets (13 weeks) silver phoenix, 2 cockerels (13 weeks) -1 is a silver Phoenix and the other is a silver Phoenix and Easter egger (or Americauna ) cross, and 1 bantam hen who hatched and raised the others. When do I need to separate the roosters? One is aggressive and they are starting to fight. I've been looking for a home for at least one, but so far no luck. I'm concerned that they will hurt each other. I'm new to raising chickens.

 

[sideWing]

I have 5 chickens: 2 pullets (13 weeks) silver phoenix, 2 cockerels (13 weeks) -1 is a silver Phoenix and the other is a silver Phoenix and Easter egger (or Americauna ) cross, and 1 bantam hen who hatched and raised the others. When do I need to separate the roosters? One is aggressive and they are starting to fight. I've been looking for a home for at least one, but so far no luck. I'm concerned that they will hurt each other. I'm new to raising chickens.

How much room do you have? I have cockerels living together with pullets, but they do have room to roam. They fight for the first few weeks when they develop testosterone and may get in a dust up now and again after, but as soon as one of them takes the lead of the flock the other usually becomes less aggressive.

 

[donrae]

If they're causing disharmony now, then now is the time for them to go. It's not going to just get better on it's own, in fact it's likely to get much worse for a while.

 

[jasminenewell]

How much room do you have? I have cockerels living together with pullets, but they do have room to roam. They fight for the first few weeks when they develop testosterone and may get in a dust up now and again after, but as soon as one of them takes the lead of the flock the other usually becomes less aggressive. 

. During the day, they roam in my backyard. They stay in the coop at night, but it's not very big....I don't know the exact measurements. For the last 2 nights, they haven't wanted to go in the coop....

 

[keesmom]

If they're causing disharmony now, then now is the time for them to go. It's not going to just get better on it's own, in fact it's likely to get much worse for a while.

x 2. They are going to have to go sometime, so there's no time like the present. Two males with only 3 females won't work anyway.

 

[jasminenewell]

x 2. They are going to have to go sometime, so there's no time like the present. Two males with only 3 females won't work anyway.

So should I put one in a cage or enclosure, for now, until I find a home for him? I'm still looking for a home.

 

[sideWing]

I disagree a little bit. If they are harming or getting harmed than I would crate one. If not I would leave them be and watch them. Lots of folks keep more than one rooster to a flock. I have two with four hens and they are fine. No missing feathers. I think it depends on age, breed, and space. IMHO

 

[Mrs. K]

Yes, I agree it can work, but I don't think it is. The op is having a space issue, young roosters and too many roosters for the hens.

I agree with Donrae, now is the time. A small cage won't work, you really need to cull at least one, but probably both if you are short of space. It really can't wait until you find a home for them.

Mrs K