Will a rooster who is at the bottom of the pecking order be a nice rooster?

[hysop]

I have a flock of roosters I’m raising to eat. I want to keep one.

I noticed one is toward the bottom of the pecking order.

Will he be a nice rooster or will it still be a gamble?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I prefer those closer to the bottom. I would give him a try before deciding. Sometimes they can change when removed from that bottom position.

 

[hysop]

I prefer those closer to the bottom. I would give him a try before deciding. Sometimes they can change when removed from that bottom position.

Thank you. I’ll try to handle him more and see if he’s nice to humans.

 

[Folly's place]

How old are your cockerels/ roosters? No signs of human aggression is wonderful, and the older the cockerel, the better the odds that it's going to be good.
Still no sure thing though, and giving him a chance to blossom as the only boy might show things that you haven't seen yet.
Maybe keep two for now instead?
Mary

 

[hysop]

How old are your cockerels/ roosters? No signs of human aggression is wonderful, and the older the cockerel, the better the odds that it's going to be good.
Still no sure thing though, and giving him a chance to blossom as the only boy might show things that you haven't seen yet.
Maybe keep two for now instead?
Mary

They hatched March 4th so they are almost 4 months old. Normally we would have processed them a lot sooner but my husband wants to fatten them up and just wait til they’re 6 months since we know they’ll get bigger. Their dad was a large rooster, probably 7-8 lbs.

We’ll be keeping them for a while so I guess I have a bit to see who truly is the nicer roo.

How do I go about doing that? Do I see if they’ll let me hold them or feed off my hand or what signs?

The one I end up picking won’t be getting his group of girls for another couple of months. They’re only 4 weeks right now.

 

[Folly's place]

I want cockerels who spend their time watching their flockmates, and being alert, and don't hand feed them or cuddle them at all. They need to respect my space, and focus on the birds, and start watching for danger instead. It takes time for them to mature into flock roosters, so it's not that I expect mature behaviors, just tendencies, and no bad thoughts in my direction.
Mary

 

[hysop]

I want cockerels who spend their time watching their flockmates, and being alert, and don't hand feed them or cuddle them at all. They need to respect my space, and focus on the birds, and start watching for danger instead. It takes time for them to mature into flock roosters, so it's not that I expect mature behaviors, just tendencies, and no bad thoughts in my direction.
Mary

Their dad was a very good protector of his girls so I hope they got that gene passed down. I guess I’ll wait and see. Thank you.