Which cockerel to keep? Barnevelder vs. Cream Legbar

[AmazingRachel]

Which cockerel do I keep? They are both 14 weeks old and are relatively nice. I'm keeping a cockerel for breeding purposes, predator protection, and flock management (and it must not attack me or children). The Barnevelder is a bit skittish but he's nice to the pullets and doesn't attack me. The Legbar is a bit ditsy/not all there and he will peck the pullets. Based on my accounts, breed info, and your own experience, which should I keep?

 

[Top Rooster]

Keep the Barnevelder.

 

[Pork Pie]

As both mature, their behaviour is likely to change. Maybe deferring the decision for a while would help making the best option.

 

[Folly's place]

x2! If both cockerels are worth breeding (have no physical problems) then wait and watch, and pick one later depending on behavior, and your breeding goals. Human aggression can turn up a bit later, and you might want the larger bird, or just decide on a favorite. Don't name either one until he's the stayer! Mary

 

[aart]

Agrees to wait.
14 weeks old is too young to know their true demeanor's.

But it can still be a difficult decision for many reasons.
Multiple males creates an environment of competition,
often bringing out the worst of all of their behaviors.
Having a separate enclosure or large wire crate(s) to isolate the trouble maker(s) can be a life saver. Have them ready as when/if things go bad it happens fast.
Leaving one male with the flock will better allow you to assess their behavior with the flock.

Even then, you(the keepers) still have to learn to deal with a male or they can cause injury and ruin(or make very unpleasant) the whole chicken keeping experience.
If this is your first year with chickens, I might be better to keep no males, especially if small children are involved.

 

[AmazingRachel]

Keep the Barnevelder.

What experiences have you had with Barnevelders?

 

[Top Rooster]

None I just would rather have a rooster who treats his ladies right rather than one who has no manners.

 

[AmazingRachel]

x2! If both cockerels are worth breeding (have no physical problems) then wait and watch, and pick one later depending on behavior, and your breeding goals. Human aggression can turn up a bit later, and you might want the larger bird, or just decide on a favorite. Don't name either one until he's the stayer! Mary

The Cream Legbar has a crooked cromb, along with his legbar brood, would this be a problem and could it be passed on to the next generation?

 

[Folly's place]

A crocked comb will be hereditary unless it's an injury, but that's small stuff compared to other factors! If you had nearly perfect purebreds, and were breeding for show, it would matter, otherwise, not so much. Mary