Which Cockerel Should Become Easter Dinner?

[SueT]

how awful he is. He was raised by me. The other is a mutt, same exact age as the maran, but raised by a hen. He's the ideal rooster

I found the same thing—my hen-raised rooster is ideal, polite, a real gentleman. The 2 boys that I raised became human aggressive and so they are no longer around. I don’t know what I did wrong, but I noticed that my little hen puts her boy chicks in their place, she’s quite aggressive twd them from about 3 weeks on.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I found the same thing—my hen-raised rooster is ideal, polite, a real gentleman. The 2 boys that I raised became human aggressive and so they are no longer around. I don’t know what I did wrong, but I noticed that my little hen puts her boy chicks in their place, she’s quite aggressive twd them from about 3 weeks on.

I believe we are looking at the ol’ nature vs nurture discussion. I believe nurture plays a big role when it’s a hen vs a human doing the nurturing! I’ve had so many people ask why I’d want babies from the Maran, but it’s because I have faith my hen would raise the boys better.

 

[SueT]

I believe we are looking at the ok’ nature vs nurture discussion. I believe nurture places a big role when it’s a hen vs a human doing the nurturing! I’ve had so many people ask why I’d want babies from the Maran, but it’s because I have faith my hen would raise the boys better.

Yes, agreed, our sweet rooster ( now 2+ yrs,) was the offspring of a mean one. They are Spitzhaubens, btw. I was hoping that the nurture part would make a difference and it did, in this case.

 

[Folly's place]

Having cockerels raised in a mixed age and sex flock does make a difference! I've had jerks raised that way too, nothing is a sure thing.
I do think that new chicken owners often miss signals, and don't see issues until they are out of hand.
Mary

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Having cockerels raised in a mixed age and sex flock does make a difference! I've had jerks raised that way too, nothing is a sure thing.
I do think that new chicken owners often miss signals, and don't see issues until they are out of hand.
Mary

I saw the signals from the beginning but just never learned the right approach to manage him I don’t know if I did the wrong thing, or if he was destined to be a jerk.

 

[Folly's place]

It's a learning experience, and often just who they are. Most cockerels are meant for the pot, including so many really nice ones. Having a good life until that day is why we raise our own for the freezer, and a very few get to stay.
If the bird decides he's the 'king', it just isn't good.
Mary

 

[humblehillsfarm]

It's a learning experience, and often just who they are. Most cockerels are meant for the pot, including so many really nice ones. Having a good life until that day is why we raise our own for the freezer, and a very few get to stay.
If the bird decides he's the 'king', it just isn't good.
Mary

The first (and so far only one) I culled was such a sweetie. I was a hot mess, but it had to happen

 

[MissE]

Eat the meanie now, and if the other doesn't step up when the competition is gone, he can be dinner later. Roosters are a dime a dozen. No need to keep one who isn't behaving the way you want them to behave.

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

I hope you do what's best for you.
I don't put my hands anywhere near my roosters. (unless I have to catch them for medical reasons or to move them) I have several roosters (+10) that are all good as gold, they don't charge, we keep our space and all is good. However, if I put my hands near the roosters it would be too much temptation for them to bite.
Same way with our bulls here on the farm. You don't touch them, you don't pet them, you give them their space. When you raise bulls and are petting them, one day they decide to challenge you (stomp, chase) - because they don't respect a kiss butt in the end, lol.

 

[50-45-1]

Freddie has a healthy respect for humans and is the keeper. The buff rooster is turning human aggresive and should go ASAP
Freddie may with time turn aggresive too. When the other rooster is gone and he can have all the girls, his true colors may come out. The fact that the hens prefer him tells me he is the better choice also.
As far as protecting the girls, a roosters role is to sound the alarm. Roosters that try to do battle with a fox or coyote although that is brave, do not usually survive the fight.
Good luck!