Young Flock Questions

[AlHawk]

I had 2 cockerels slip through the "sexed" chicks crack. They're both about 12/13 weeks old (neither crowing). One EE & one RIR. I only have 13 total in my flock (chicken math 6++). The RIR cockerel came up with a de-feathered spot at the base of his tail about the size of a quarter last week that I assume was the other cockerel's doing although I didn't catch him in the act.

My thought was that I needed to get rid of one of the cockerels. Two Questions:
1. Am I right in assuming 2 roos for 11 hens is too much and one needs to go?
2. If the EE is the dominant but I'd rather keep the RIR, will he act more assertive after the EE roo is gone or will he remain kinda submissive?

tia


P.S. Anybody want an EE roo in Central FL?

 

[Folly's place]

I like having roosters in my flock, and it's probably going to be best to only keep one of your boys. BUT you have time to observe behavior and choose. Sometimes two cockrels raised together will get along, sometimes not. In my flock, I will eliminate any cockrels who are in any way human aggressive, or any with physical defects, first. Then I watch longer. Any human aggression that develops, he goes! Then think about your goals; do you want to raise their chicks? EE chicks may lay green eggs, RIR chicks may grow larger for the freezer. One bird may just appeal to you in the 'eye candy' department. Take the time to decide, and enjoy. Mary

 

[AlHawk]

I like having roosters in my flock, and it's probably going to be best to only keep one of your boys. BUT you have time to observe behavior and choose. Sometimes two cockrels raised together will get along, sometimes not. In my flock, I will eliminate any cockrels who are in any way human aggressive, or any with physical defects, first. Then I watch longer. Any human aggression that develops, he goes! Then think about your goals; do you want to raise their chicks? EE chicks may lay green eggs, RIR chicks may grow larger for the freezer. One bird may just appeal to you in the 'eye candy' department. Take the time to decide, and enjoy. Mary

Thanks Mary.

These 2 were raised together. There's only been that one little feather issue. I don't really WANT to hatch. I let my flock out in the yard and I was looking more for protection and warning systems from the Roo. Both of them are NOT human aggressive in any way (yet). I agree. First sign of human aggression and he's on a one-way trip to the freezer spa.

All good points and appreciated.