I've got at least two roosters in my flock. (Verdict is still out on the Polish, but I think they may both be boys too). The roos are bantams, and one is the most darling thing ever. He was the first to crow and seems to "rule the roost". The other was kind of a nondescript gray, and he's slowly going black and white with a tall, beautiful tail. He is, however, a complete jerk. I moved my Buff Orpingtons into the main coop last night (they are about a month and a half younger than the rest of the birds) and last night he was tormenting the heck out of them. Pecking and pinching and chasing them everywhere. I actually went out this morning ahead of my boys to make sure they wouldn't be greeted with a bloodbath. All seven B.O.s are alive and well, but yet again, he's was chasing them and generally terrorizing them.
Last night, I made a futile effort to put HIM in the brooder, but he just flew out and then looked miserable trying to find a way back into the coop. So I put him back. What, if anything, can I do to stop him from being such a turd (aside from re-homing him)? I was thinking that maybe since he's not the top rooster, he's trying to exert control over the weakest and smallest of the bunch (though they are already bigger than some of my other bantams). But then again, I'm no chicken psychologist, so I really haven't a clue. I don't have a problem giving him up (and if I do have four roosters and possibly more since the B.O.s were straight run, I imagine I may have problems anyway), but I'd like to keep him if possible. Anyway, thoughts? Thanks!
Eileen
Jerk of a Roo
some roosters are just mean. not necessarily a breed thing either, more an individual personality thing just like humans. i know that's not what you want to hear, but they're not smart like most dogs who actually want to make you happy and try not to do the bad thing that you're upset about. (although i've met some dogs that i categorize with birds on that count). i'm praying that any roosters i had were in the set of chicks that didn't make it because all i know to do with them is eat them if they're bullies. that's what we did on my grandparents chicken farm while i was growing up. maybe someone else will give you a happier solution.
Hay stack has a technique for subduing aggressive roosters, hopefully he'll chime in. I know he wrote a thread on it someplace but where?
We have some of those. One is a Golden Phoenix. While he is beautiful he is a complete terror.
That is often the case with a roo that has just come into his hormones. Once he learns, he might settle down. I can't stand that constant torment, so I would separate him if it were me. Once he learns how to be a gentleman, he will probably get better.. He is a teenager.. Hello? They are like alien creatures for a short time. LOL
I suppose I could put him in what we call "the isolation tank". It's basically a time-out coop for broody hens or for breeding. I haven't put anyone in there yet because it doesn't have a floor (it's sitting on dirt in the barn) and I'm worried about coyotes et al. digging under the coop. I would hate to eat him since he's super tiny and not worth the time. I also planned on having my 7 banties be the "pets" while any larger birds that turned out to be roos would be dinner. So far, it looks like the store had the pullets well labeled, because as far as I can tell, those are all girls. :( I hate seeing the Orpingtons unhappy, but I hate to put "Jerk" into a dangerous housing arrangement. I guess I'm too attached to the flock, but that's my way, so I suppose I'll have to adjust my thinking to an extent.
I'll bet he's really insulted by your description. " He's so tiny, he's not worth the time." Poor little fellow, no wonder he's got a 'tude. I had a male teacup poodle, who use to keep attacking my male Great Dane. Tiny would jump up and attack Maxie's thigh. Not having unlimited hang time, he would eventually come down, and have to bounce back up again. My Great Dane would just look at him doing this, and look at me, almost to say "Funny little fellow," I would recommend Hay's solution.
Well, I just couldn't bear it anymore. Our jerky rooster, who my youngest has now named "Rooster" in lieu of the much less complimentary thing I was calling him, is not the only one picking on my Buff Os. This morning, I noticed that another bantam, a buff brahma female was really giving them a hard time. I really got the point that while it seemed they weren't being physically injured, I wasn't sure the other birds were letting them eat and drink. I took my old dog cage (about 24X36") took the bottom tray out, lined the bottom with a big wad of hay, and put the tray on top with hay in it to keep the babies from getting "rained on". The only birds that seemed curious about the cage were the ducks. But, once the Buff Os realized they were safe, they actually ate, drank and stopped piling on top of each other.
I had fun with the new birds this morning. Before, when they were in their brooder, whenever I put my hands in to change their food and water, they would freak out and flap and squawk. Now, because the other chickens are MUCH scarier than me, they are completely docile when I hold them. I keep a folding chair outside the coop in the barn that I bring into the coop to chicken-watch. I sat in the chair and held and sang to one of the Buffs. When my kids got there, they brought me two more. Then another. I had two on one shoulder, one on the other, and two in my arms. Then....one climbed up on top of my head!!! Then another!!! It was hilarious, and miracle upon miracles, I didn't get crapped on! Fun morning.
So how long do I keep the Buffs separated from the rest of the flock? They can see each other, and the established flock can get pretty close, but can't get to them to peck. How long before the newcomers won't feel like a threat that needs to be dealt with? Thanks!
Buff Orpingtons are wonderfully calm and friendly but they are very meek with other chickens and are often bullied. It is probably best to keep them separated until they are nearly as big as the others.