Too many cocks in the henhouse

[Charitymartin]

Hey, guys! I really need some advice. I initially started a flock with 11 hens and 1 rooster about 18 months ago. The rooster, Deuce, has always had a bad temper. He stalks me and waits for anyone nearby to turn their back so he can attack them. But, he always took care of the hens, so I have put up with him, making sure to never be caught without a pair of boots and a big stick when he is free ranging. Sadly, we lost one hen to a predator, leaving 10 hens and the rooster from the original.

This past spring, we allowed one of our broody hens to sit on eggs. She hatched 4, but only 1 survived. We bought 4 more pullets so the newbie wouldn't be alone. But, of course, with time, we found that our hatched survivor was another rooster. For the first 6 months or so, everyone got along okay. Deuce was still the big guy in the yard, and the young roo kept his distance. However, in the past 3-4 weeks, the young rooster has started fighting my older one. I have read other forums and threads, and most people say give them space and time, but most squabbles end pretty harmlessly. I'm getting concerned because #2 has taken to nearly constant chasing and jumping on Deuce. It has gotten to the point where Deuce doesn't even want to go back in to the chicken run/coop at night.

All that being said, #2 hasn't attacked any people yet, only the older rooster. I am not a good farmer, and am attached to all of my chickens, even the mean ole' Deuce. Is there any way for me to have these guys co-exist, or am I going to have to "get rid" of one? Would love your thoughts and advice. I really don't want anything to happen to either of them....

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

My advice would be to let the two battle it out to see who really is the dominant rooster. The loser will probably have to live his life in fear, but once it is settled, the dominant rooster will most likely let the loser be and won't harass him as much as he did before when the loser didn't back down.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It can depend on your set up. Often young hormonal males can frighten a older rooster. Every spring I watch young roosters mating right in front of older roosters because all that bravado of the young ones keeps the older roosters from engaging. I just recently locked up one from last spring, and am watching another one. Things are about to get worse after the winter solstice as increasing daylight will cause hormonal surges in roosters. I often pen up troublemakers that first spring, and they grow out of that extreme confidence by late summer.

If your roosters can get away from each other they can be okay together. If your birds are penned than sometimes one rooster might kill the other. I keep multiple roosters and add more each year to try out. My birds aren't confined to a run so birds can often get away from each other.

So there's no simple answer. Your roosters may work things out and they may not. I would keep an eye on the situation and be ready to separate one out if it gets bad.

 

[Charitymartin]

Thanks for responses so far! I really appreciate the advice. I will try to give them more time, and I will probably extend the existing run for the days when they don't free range. I feel like there is hope!!!