A few weeks ago, I posted a message in distress about my two roosters, Stripy and Ebony. I raised them from chicks alongside two hens, and they’re now 8 months old. Three months ago, I introduced eight egg-laying hens to the flock. Stripy had already started crowing and taken on the top rooster role, even beginning to mate. Ebony, on the other hand, only started crowing six weeks ago. Soon after, I noticed him trying to mate and challenging Stripy with aggressive chest bumps.
The next morning when I let the flock out, I was shocked to see them engage in a full-blown cockfight—wings and legs flying, aggressive pecking, and loud squawking. They must have even fought inside the coop because Stripy, my favorite, had blood dripping from his comb and wattles, while Ebony’s feathers were a mess. As a new owner, I was caught entirely off guard and had no idea what to do. Instinctively, I screamed, which made them pause, and managed to separate them. I caught Ebony and locked him in a separate cage out of sight from the others. Stripy looked terribly weak, lying down and barely eating, and I feared he might not survive.
Thinking I would likely have to choose between them, I posted about the experience here. Within minutes, many of you responded with empathy and comfort, explaining that teenage roosters often fight to establish a pecking order. You gave me clear advice, which I followed to the letter. this podcast was also amazing
Two weeks later, my two boys seem to be in a new phase. Despite closely watching them, I’m not entirely sure who holds top status. When free-ranging, both crow freely, mate with any hens they choose, and act as sentinels for the flock. They even eat together and often roost together at night. I’d love to hear any insights into what’s happening!
While I hadn’t paid much attention to Ebony before, I now see him differently—not as an aggressive rooster but as a respectful, responsible one who’s learning how to lead and adjust to his newfound strength. I’ve come to admire him.
Thank you so much to everyone in this group who shares their wisdom so generously. I feel incredibly grateful to have this resource, and no matter what new challenges these two throw at me, I know I can rely on your support!
The next morning when I let the flock out, I was shocked to see them engage in a full-blown cockfight—wings and legs flying, aggressive pecking, and loud squawking. They must have even fought inside the coop because Stripy, my favorite, had blood dripping from his comb and wattles, while Ebony’s feathers were a mess. As a new owner, I was caught entirely off guard and had no idea what to do. Instinctively, I screamed, which made them pause, and managed to separate them. I caught Ebony and locked him in a separate cage out of sight from the others. Stripy looked terribly weak, lying down and barely eating, and I feared he might not survive.
Thinking I would likely have to choose between them, I posted about the experience here. Within minutes, many of you responded with empathy and comfort, explaining that teenage roosters often fight to establish a pecking order. You gave me clear advice, which I followed to the letter. this podcast was also amazing
Two weeks later, my two boys seem to be in a new phase. Despite closely watching them, I’m not entirely sure who holds top status. When free-ranging, both crow freely, mate with any hens they choose, and act as sentinels for the flock. They even eat together and often roost together at night. I’d love to hear any insights into what’s happening!
While I hadn’t paid much attention to Ebony before, I now see him differently—not as an aggressive rooster but as a respectful, responsible one who’s learning how to lead and adjust to his newfound strength. I’ve come to admire him.
Thank you so much to everyone in this group who shares their wisdom so generously. I feel incredibly grateful to have this resource, and no matter what new challenges these two throw at me, I know I can rely on your support!
