When Will I Know If My Cockerel Will Make a Good Roo?

[Aunt Angus]

All really fabulous info. I mean that. I've not had a rooster before (obviously), so I really haven't felt sure of what to look for while he's still a little guy. Well, he'll always be a little guy, but you know what I mean. This clarifies things for me. Thanks, everyone!!!

 

[Aunt Angus]

3 months. He crowed so much now he has laryngitis. Nothing but a sqwauk (sp) now. He would "stalk" me when I walked along the fence to thier run. Then he started charging me when my back was turned. Thats when I started carrying him. The biting was a big no no so thats why he got smacked. He does it again hes going to camp Kenmore.

View attachment 1881870

He just plain looks mean! Holy cow. If looks could kill...

 

[Aunt Angus]

If he isn't aggressive right now or showing any signs of aggression, I would let him be. But, if he starts shuffling up to you, kinda cocking his tail and eyeing you, or flares his hackle at your hand or shoe, then you'd need to do something. Two of my OEG bantam cockerels started pecking my shoes at around 14 weeks (they've been pretty good at not doing it again, though). My bantam cockerels seem to mature a lot faster than my standards.
My sebright cockerel, Mico, (he's a lap chicken) hasn't even looked at me weird. He is about 20 weeks old now.

I think this is the road I'll take. He is so affectionate to my pullet (his flockmate). He cuddles with her and gives her little bits of grass and things to eat. I can't imagine him "turning" bad, but hormones are just barely starting to ramp up, so we will see...

I'll watch for any aggression towards people and deal with them as they arise. All really great advice and anecdotes.