Which rooster would you keep?

[Espychickens]

I have 2 wynodotte boys I just want a second opinion before deciding but I'm leaning toward the lighter one. He seems to have a smoother comb and I think his colouring and pattern is nicer. Please let me know who you would keep and why so I can learn.

 

[Cassandra Lana]

I would choose with personality not just color. And make sure the one you don’t keep gets a good home

 

[SpotTheCat]

What do you want from a rooster?
Are you breeding for show, for your self or do you want one to protect the flock.

 

[DobieLover]

I have 2 wynodotte boys I just want a second opinion before deciding but I'm leaning toward the lighter one. He seems to have a smoother comb and I think his colouring and pattern is nicer. Please let me know who you would keep and why so I can learn.

How old are these cockerels? They look young.
How has their behavior been since reaching sexual maturity?
What is their behavior when you feed treats?
You want to keep the one with the best traits you are looking for in a rooster. What are those traits?
I want a rooster that will lead the flock, not compete in it.
I want a rooster that will predator alert and position himself between the flock and potential danger.
I want a rooster that will give escort to the girls that call out for one after laying their eggs.
I want a rooster that is good with his chicks.
I want a rooster that won't loose his noodle because I fed the flock!
I also love roosters because they are beautiful and I love listening to them crow.
If you have children or anyone not capable of handling a sassy boy, I'd rehome BOTH of them.
Otherwise, evaluate what you really want in an eventual rooster in your flock and go from there critiquing these two candidates. ALL boys mature into beautiful birds. Don't leave it to looks to decide for you.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Are their personalities the same?

 

[Espychickens]

Wow thank you for your fast replies ideally just wanting a flock protector, but also a pretty boy that is breed accurate. My main rooster was taken a few weeks ago so wasn't planing on keeping either but now I'm without a big boy. They both have very similar personalities not aggressive a little shy with me but we are slowly getting better as the older hens show them I'm not so bad. Maybe the lighter one is a little less flighty.

 

[CrazyChicken Lady]

Well you personally sound like you already know which one is your favorite also the lighter one looks like he has better marking if that’s what you want. So I’d pick the lighter one.

 

[Mrs. K]

• Do examine them carefully - feathers can hide a multitude of sins.
• look at their feet - crooked toes or nails can cause feather damage on hens
• look at their beaks - perfect alignment is important, symmetry is important for breeding
• weigh them - I am assuming they are both the same age - heavier birds, put on and keep weight better with what I am assuming the same feed
• Notice who notices you first, when you approach the flock. Good roosters keep their heads up, looking for possible danger
• Watch who the hens seem to prefer.
• Try it out first, remove one of the roosters from the flock, for a couple of days - how does it go. If fine, then move on if not, try the other rooster. Roosters often change if there is not another rooster

Do what you want with the other rooster.

Mrs K

 

[LaFleche]

One other question:

Do you have Golden Laced Wyandottes AND Red Laced Wyandottes? If so, then one of them might be a colour mix.

And after you are done with all of the above suggested assessments, if you want a

boy that is breed accurate.

I would choose the darker one, he has better lacing and the correct colour. The lighter one might be a colour mix, as looking closer at his hackles and saddle suggests.

 

[Espychickens]

One other question:

Do you have Golden Laced Wyandottes AND Red Laced Wyandottes?

I would choose the darker one, he has better lacing and the correct colour. The lighter one might be a colour mix, as looking closer at his hackles and saddle suggests.

Thanks for the great feed back , I didn't breed them bought them as day olds so not sure about parents.

The darker one seems to have a odd comb however not as smooth as the lighter one.