With murder in my eye

[MTKitty]

If these cockerels don’t outgrow their hormones soon, I’m going to lose my mind. First, I made the mistake of getting two males, in case one chick didn’t make it. I was careful to order sufficient females to maintain ratios. Except for the mis-sexed one that arrived and threw my ratios off.

Second, it never occurred to me to start with only pullets and add cockerels in a year or two. Lesson learned, but for now I have what I have.

Third, with them all being the same age, I expected hormones to be an issue at some time. For whatever stupid reason, I didn’t expect to have to deal with butchering for a while, so I don’t have all the stuff I need to do it. Mostly, the mindset.

Fourth, the flock has been coop-bound for nearly a week due to a little snow and a lot of cold and wind. So, cabin fever’s a problem.

Today, while the weather has been nice, everyone has enjoyed some sun and dust bathing. Maybe not so much the wind, but there are breaks in their favorite hangouts.

And all three boys have been complete jack-tards. All. Day. Even the smallest who has recently put on a growth spurt and nearly caught up with the other two. When they aren’t causing a ruckus with the girls, they’re getting in each other’s space and being stupid.

I am just about ready to toss all three of them over the fence and let ‘em take their chances with the coyotes. Or manually pinch their heads off, myself.

*sigh* I’m venting (mostly). But I’m also considering my other options. Thanks for listening.

 

[theoldchick]

Try Pinless Peepers on those randy roosters.

 

[MTKitty]

Try Pinless Peepers on those randy roosters. View attachment 2949336

Never heard of those. Do they work? And how? (And would it be mean if I stapled them on?)

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

Here's a very informative article on how to rehome roosters on Craigslist: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/how-to-post-on-craigslist.76257/

 

[MTKitty]

Here's a very informative article on how to rehome roosters on Craigslist: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/how-to-post-on-craigslist.76257/

Thanks. I will add it to my list of options. Although, I was thinking of combining rehoming with flock downsizing. I would sweeten the pot by including a trio of pullets each with two of the roosters so I don’t drown in eggs.

 

[theoldchick]

Never heard of those. Do they work? And how? (And would it be mean if I stapled them on?)

https://spadeandfeather.com/blogs/s...op-pecking-in-your-flock-with-pinless-peepers

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

Thanks. I will add it to my list of options. Although, I was thinking of combining rehoming with flock downsizing. I would sweeten the pot by including a trio of pullets each with two of the roosters so I don’t drown in eggs.

You can rehome hens on there too. On 5 months to 1.5 years, you can get $15-$20 a hen, and depending on the rooster, $5-$10 a rooster of the same age group. Just if you're in a hurry to get rid of them, anything free goes faster.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I began with both cockerels, & pullets at the beginning of my chicken keeping. Never really had that much of a problem, except with human aggression. (Mostly RIRs)

It takes awhile to get used too, & rowdy cocks are something that is to be expected.

They usually become less rowdy, & less hormonal at 1yr old.

 

[MTKitty]

I began with both cockerels, & pullets at the beginning of my chicken keeping. Never really had that much of a problem, except with human aggression. (Mostly RIRs)

It takes awhile to get used too, & rowdy cocks are something that is to be expected.

They usually become less rowdy, & less hormonal at 1yr old.

That’s reassuring, actually. These guys are all Buckeyes. Even as week-old chicks, they were into the raised wings and chest-bumping. If they were people aggressive, it would be easier — they’d have to go.

For now, I’m chalking it up to hormones and cabin fever ... while still considering downsizing the flock, overall.

 

[MysteryChicken]

That’s reassuring, actually. These guys are all Buckeyes. Even as week-old chicks, they were into the raised wings and chest-bumping. If they were people aggressive, it would be easier — they’d have to go.

For now, I’m chalking it up to hormones and cabin fever ... while still considering downsizing the flock, overall.

You're welcome.

It's most likely the hormones. Pinless Peepers do work. I've used them, & still do when needed.