I've found that most cockerels go throught a constant crowing phase, that (most) grow out of. The decibels they reach is not something I've found to be controllable
8 WEEKS?! Ummmmm that's WAY too early for me. Even Lady Gaga was older when he crowed! I'm not so sure on that hypothesis either, but doesn't hurt to theorise
Oh my gosh, that guy is HILARIOUS🤣
Especially since you have Australorps, I'd steer clear of ISA browns. The very few Australorps I've had over the years (2) were quite miserable in my ISA brown pens. These birds are seriously intense with other breeds, and even their own
I know you mentioned you didn't love the buff colour...
Brahma and Orpingtons are nice. Brahma are easier to find here. One thing to keep in mind with the brahma is that mine at least, have not done well in our summers. They all survive, but they're not very happy. ISA browns are very human friendly/curious birds, but their friendliness doesn't...