Which roo?? PICS

[Garden Gal]

I have a batch of 18 chickens which are about 3 months old. Unfortunately, more than half are "turning into" roos! I've had my mind on one of two Delaware Giant roosters, they are both beautiful and very calm birds. However, for the past week, one of the "barn yard mix" roos has definitely stepped up for the position of head bird. He is crowing regularly, chasing the other roos, mounting the hens, rounding everyone up when he wants them in the coop, etc... He has been pretty rough on one of the Delaware's I've been thinking about keeping, but has not harmed anyone. SO FAR, he has not been agresseive to me. He comes near me but is not threatening me - just keeping an eye on me and of course, very interested in any treats I might be delivering. Neither of the two Delaware Giant roos are crowing but appear to be very calm, easy birds. I have not seen either of them threatening the other guys.

Any input would be appreciated. I don't want to make a decision based solely on the beauty of the bird, but admit having a large, beautiful rooster is appealing!

This is the "barnyard mix" guy who has definitely stopped up to the plate...

This is one of the DG's I've had my eye on...

Thanks for any input and advice.

 

[Uppity Peon]

First ask yourself what you want in a rooster.
Do you want to hatch show quality chicks? - Look for conformation.
Do you want a flock protector? - Be ready to accept a certain level of aggressiveness toward you and your pets.

But be aware that if you remove the most aggressive alpha male, sometimes another one will step up and be even more aggressive.

Bottom line, it is a difficult decision you will have to make yourself.

 

[Garden Gal]

Thanks for the input. I'm looking for a supplier of fertilized eggs so I don't have to continue to order them (problems with shipping/poor hatch rates), no showing, nor real "protecting" since the chickens are enclosed in a large fenced, electrified yard. There won't be any roos left to step up and get more aggressive since we are going to have to cull all except the one we keep. I'll keep watching them for a few more days and give the input more thought. Thanks again.

 

[jqs birds]

The second rooster is better looking to me.

 

[lauralou]

Do you have any Delaware hens?

That would have a big effect on the decision, if it were me.

 

[Mahlzeit]

They are both very pretty roosters. I would just watch them for a few days and see which personality you like best.

 

[Garden Gal]

Quote:
Yes, I have three Delaware hens... This fact might be the one which pushes me toward the DG roo, but I'm still going to watch for a few more days and keep an open mind.

The thought of culling any of these birds is not an easy one, but it was part of the plan when we began this process.