Young rooster behavior help!

[Hashbrownsflock]

I ended up with a buff orpington cockerel after purchasing pullets this past April. He is almost 18 weeks and I’m struggling right now as to whether or not he will grow into a sweet rooster or an aggressive rooster because of my lack of experience around young rooster behavior. He has not done anything yet other than peck me when I try to touch him (this started happening about a month ago) and making noises that don’t sound super friendly. He is currently separated from the pullets and our 3 grown 3 yo hens as he was pretty rough with several of the pullets as of a couple weeks ago. When I go into his area, at first he is pretty vocal and the noises don’t sound super friendly, but after gently talking to him and staying in there with him for a while, he settles down and goes about his business. He will even turn his back to me and eat. He honestly just seems very scared and unsure of himself and everything. I have the opportunity to rehome him right now (I’m not exactly sure about where he would be going, but I’m adamant about him going somewhere where he will be cared for and not consumed). I’m torn because Of my lack of experience with cockerels. Is he still moldable to turn into a sweet rooster or will his pecking later turn into full attacks once his spurs grow in? Im willing to put in work to get him comfortable. I’m just looking for advice on which way to go. I don’t want to regret rehoming him if he has it in him to be a kind and productive member of the flock with some work on my part and patience. Please help and be kind! Also, please don’t post about killing and/or eating him. Here’s a photo of him when he was still with the girls.

 

[nuthatched]

Was he raised around the older hens?
He sounds like he may not be the best flock leader.

 

[Hashbrownsflock]

@nuthatched He was raised with 10 pullets and the 3 yo hens were in a separate area until we integrated them about two weeks ago. One of our older hens fought him and he submitted which was great. But the older hens seem to segregate themselves throughout the day and unless he came up to them, they would pretty much leave him alone. He was grabbing one of the pullets necks pretty intensely and she already is on the bottom of the pecking order best I can tell, so I was fearful of her getting injured as this wasn’t the first time he has done that to her. I’m guessing he likes her.

We have two coops and fully enclosed yards connected by a long run. Right now, all the hens are together in the larger yard and he is in the smaller yard where the pullets and him grew up after the left the heat lamp in our house. Would it be productive to have the older girls only with him in the smaller yard or would that make him more scared?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Older hens can teach him manners. I would keep him away from the pullets for now. Good luck.

 

[Hashbrownsflock]

Older hens can teach him manners. I would keep him away from the pullets for now. Good luck.

Thank you! I was actually thinking about bringing the three older girls in with him today.

 

[ClickityChick123]

I agree that you should keep the pullets separated from him for now, but with the older hens. They will put him in line.