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Keeping the Boys Can a Bachelor Flock Work?
Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2025 10:34 am
by EggsAndGiggles
Hey everyone, I absolutely love roosters and want to keep all of mine if possible, but Ive run into a bit of a challenge.
I currently have 23 hens and 5 roosters. My main rooster is a bantam Cochin, second in command is a massive Brahma, and third is a bantam Old English. I also have two 4-month-old cockerels that are going through their "rowdy teenage phase."
The problem? My Brahma has started challenging my little Cochin, and since he could seriously hurt him, Ive moved him in with the cockerels. Surprisingly, they all get along fine. Meanwhile, my Old English just flutters around the hens, not causing any trouble.
Im considering maintaining a bachelor flock alongside my main flock, but I want to do it right. I have plenty of spacethree coops and a large run (4x10x30). Right now, the cockerels hang out there during the day. Has anyone successfully kept a bachelor flock alongside their main flock? Any advice on managing this setup?
Re: Keeping the Boys Can a Bachelor Flock Work?
Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2025 12:34 pm
by CrowingChampion
Your Brahma may settle over time. Keep monitoring him, but bachelor flocks usually work if they have space and no hens nearby.
Re: Keeping the Boys Can a Bachelor Flock Work?
Posted: Thu Feb 20, 2025 3:01 am
by DerekDrumstick
The size difference between your Brahma and bantams could be a challenge. I've seen large roosters dominate smaller ones even without hens around. However, if the bantams are feisty, they may hold their own. If you try a bachelor flock, introduce them gradually and watch for signs of stress. Some roosters just don't tolerate each other, and it's best to have a plan if things don't work out.
Re: Keeping the Boys Can a Bachelor Flock Work?
Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2025 6:19 pm
by PasturePecker
EggsAndGiggles wrote: Sun Feb 16, 2025 10:34 am
Hey everyone, I absolutely love roosters and want to keep all of mine if possible, but Ive run into a bit of a challenge.
I currently have 23 hens and 5 roosters. My main rooster is a bantam Cochin, second in command is a massive Brahma, and third is a bantam Old English. I also have two 4-month-old cockerels that are going through their "rowdy teenage phase."
The problem? My Brahma has started challenging my little Cochin, and since he could seriously hurt him, Ive moved him in with the cockerels. Surprisingly, they all get along fine. Meanwhile, my Old English just flutters around the hens, not causing any trouble.
Im considering maintaining a bachelor flock alongside my main flock, but I want to do it right. I have plenty of spacethree coops and a large run (4x10x30). Right now, the cockerels hang out there during the day. Has anyone successfully kept a bachelor flock alongside their main flock? Any advice on managing this setup?
I've had success with bachelor flocks. Without hens, they're usually calmer and coexist peacefully.
Re: Keeping the Boys Can a Bachelor Flock Work?
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2025 5:03 pm
by AmberAviary
EggsAndGiggles wrote: Sun Feb 16, 2025 10:34 am
Hey everyone, I absolutely love roosters and want to keep all of mine if possible, but Ive run into a bit of a challenge.
I currently have 23 hens and 5 roosters. My main rooster is a bantam Cochin, second in command is a massive Brahma, and third is a bantam Old English. I also have two 4-month-old cockerels that are going through their "rowdy teenage phase."
The problem? My Brahma has started challenging my little Cochin, and since he could seriously hurt him, Ive moved him in with the cockerels. Surprisingly, they all get along fine. Meanwhile, my Old English just flutters around the hens, not causing any trouble.
Im considering maintaining a bachelor flock alongside my main flock, but I want to do it right. I have plenty of spacethree coops and a large run (4x10x30). Right now, the cockerels hang out there during the day. Has anyone successfully kept a bachelor flock alongside their main flock? Any advice on managing this setup?
Roosters fight less when they don't have hens to compete over. Give them enough room, and they should get along.
Re: Keeping the Boys Can a Bachelor Flock Work?
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2025 8:24 pm
by NelsonNest
Rooster personalities vary, but if they're used to each other and there's no direct access to hens, they have a much better chance of coexisting peacefully. 214 Tatlı sounds too aggressive for a multi-rooster setup. Rehoming might be best before he seriously injures another bird.
Re: Keeping the Boys Can a Bachelor Flock Work?
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2025 8:51 pm
by Eggspresso
Since your two cockerels are already together, that's a good start! Keeping them separate from the hens will help reduce fights, but there may still be some sparring. As long as it doesn't escalate into injuries, they should settle.
Re: Keeping the Boys Can a Bachelor Flock Work?
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2025 11:30 pm
by EggsAndThings
EggsAndGiggles wrote: Sun Feb 16, 2025 10:34 am
Hey everyone, I absolutely love roosters and want to keep all of mine if possible, but Ive run into a bit of a challenge.
I currently have 23 hens and 5 roosters. My main rooster is a bantam Cochin, second in command is a massive Brahma, and third is a bantam Old English. I also have two 4-month-old cockerels that are going through their "rowdy teenage phase."
The problem? My Brahma has started challenging my little Cochin, and since he could seriously hurt him, Ive moved him in with the cockerels. Surprisingly, they all get along fine. Meanwhile, my Old English just flutters around the hens, not causing any trouble.
Im considering maintaining a bachelor flock alongside my main flock, but I want to do it right. I have plenty of spacethree coops and a large run (4x10x30). Right now, the cockerels hang out there during the day. Has anyone successfully kept a bachelor flock alongside their main flock? Any advice on managing this setup?
I've had a separate rooster pen for years, and they've lived harmoniously. The trick is to ensure they aren't constantly exposed to hens, as that triggers competition. Introducing them gradually and allowing them to establish their pecking order without interference usually results in a stable group. However, if you notice persistent aggression, having a backup plan (like a divider or an extra coop) is a good idea.
Re: Keeping the Boys Can a Bachelor Flock Work?
Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2025 9:40 pm
by HenriettaHatch
EggsAndGiggles wrote: Sun Feb 16, 2025 10:34 am
Hey everyone, I absolutely love roosters and want to keep all of mine if possible, but Ive run into a bit of a challenge.
I currently have 23 hens and 5 roosters. My main rooster is a bantam Cochin, second in command is a massive Brahma, and third is a bantam Old English. I also have two 4-month-old cockerels that are going through their "rowdy teenage phase."
The problem? My Brahma has started challenging my little Cochin, and since he could seriously hurt him, Ive moved him in with the cockerels. Surprisingly, they all get along fine. Meanwhile, my Old English just flutters around the hens, not causing any trouble.
Im considering maintaining a bachelor flock alongside my main flock, but I want to do it right. I have plenty of spacethree coops and a large run (4x10x30). Right now, the cockerels hang out there during the day. Has anyone successfully kept a bachelor flock alongside their main flock? Any advice on managing this setup?
Your setup sounds great for trying a bachelor flock. If fights break out, adding visual barriers or more space can make a big difference.
Re: Keeping the Boys Can a Bachelor Flock Work?
Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2025 2:34 pm
by GerryGrit
If they already get along, you're off to a good start! Just ensure they have enough food, space, and roosting options.