choosing a breeding cockerel

[chickenfan]

That's extremely helpful, Chris. The only trouble is, this Marans cockerel pecks me quite hard when I put food in, and can struggle violently when I pick him up. You are right he hasn't had long to settle, but the other breeds of cockerels (Araucana cross and Faverolles) seem much easier. I'm not sure how the Marans cockerels generally compare with other breeds? Perhaps I will swap places with his brother tomorrow to see how the hens like the look of that one. Both he and his brother were the ones that wouldn't accept my single Marans chick one week younger. She has turned out to be a glorious bird and the two Barnevelders I got as her companions are wonderful too.