Which rooster would you keep?

[rodeorulz]

I have to choose between these 2 roosters. If you had to choose based solely on physical appearance which one of them would you choose and why? They may both end up heading to the freezer though due to a lack of hens of the same breed and too many roosters as it is...
Just a side note...the bottom one does actually have muffs and a beard...however these pics were taken right after he was introduced back into the flock and the roosters had to get their pecking order re-established so he got beat up on pretty bad

 

[red horse ranch]

The bottom rooster appears to have golden lacing on his chest. Do you know what his parentage is?

 

[rodeorulz]

As far as breed goes? They were both said to be Americauna (that being said I am guessing they are actually Easter Eggers). Otherwise I don't know much about them, I got them from a neighbor who had the parents and gave us some eggs to help us out with starting our flock All the other roosters from the bunch looked like the top rooster (but some didn't have muffs or beards) and the one hen I hatched from the bunch is mainly black with a "gold" colored head that is patterned similar to these roosters.

 

[red horse ranch]

The reason I ask is that I have a golden laced Wyandotte/Australorp rooster who has been leader of my flock for almost 7 years. Couldn't ask for a better rooster. Not aggressive but definitely the boss. I haven't had much luck in keeping EE roosters because most of them have become aggressive but if they have a Wyandotte or Australorp parent they may end up being keepers.
You didn't say how old they are but I usually know by the time they are 4 months old whether they will be staying or going into the freezer. Don't choose by looks alone. Personality of the rooster is what matters.

 

[Chickassan]

I'd keep the bottom one, he looks like he took a serious butt whipping he deserves to stay.

 

[rodeorulz]

They were hatched mid/late June of this year. I had it narrowed down to the top one (the others were sent to the freezer due to aggression and lack of beard and muffs)...then I re-acquired the bottom one after he ended up being too rough on some banty hens So now I have to re-choose. Both of these...so far...have good dispositions with people. Don't worry...I won't choose between them based solely on looks
I favor the bottom one when it comes to looks...I think he looks more "unique" and I like that I worry a bit though that he'll never really "settle" into the flock due to how he gets picked on still (or maybe he is the instigator...at least some of the time).
I hate having to choose which ones stay and which ones head to the freezer! Especially when they don't give me a reason! lol

 

[red horse ranch]

I know exactly what you are saying. That's why I often end up keeping more roosters each year than I need. As long as they aren't causing trouble they can stay. I don't envy the decision that you have to make.

 

[enoryz]

Top one. Black is my favorite color.

 

[rodeorulz]

Well I went out to the coop shortly after my last post and found a bloody mess all over my cochin and some blood on the bottom rooster in the pictures They were fighting earlier this morning and I broke them up then...guess it didn't matter, they obviously went back to fighting. He's bound to head to the freezer if he keeps it up...and the cochin may end up there as well (I was thinking about keeping him as a nice bird to cross on some of my hens for a meat cross...but it may not be worth it after all...and since he doesn't really "fit" my flock the freezer may be the better place for him anyway).
Everyone seems to get along pretty well otherwise, outside of a little tiff here or there of course
Thanks!!

 

[red horse ranch]

Sounds like rooster #2 should become supper. Cochins make really good roosters if they are gentle with the hens. Love the one I have.