Cockerels in their second year

[chickenfan]

I just wonder if cockerels settle down a bit in their second year and are likely to be any less fiesty?

 

[chrismahon]

Some do Chickenfan, but in my experience most stay almost the same. They just slowly calm down over the years and our pet cockerel, who is over 7 now, is still spoiling to fight the others. They get noticeably feistier at the start of the breeding season in Spring and get a lot calmer late Autumn.

When you approach a cockerel with hens try to avoid getting in-between them as they will see that as threatening. Also feed the cockerel treats first so he can call his hens over. That reinforces his leader position. Not always that easy though as some hens are greedy and will rush in front of him -depends how tame they all are.

 

[chickenfan]

Thanks Chris for your advice. I never quite relax with my marans cockerel as he attacked me once earlier in spring and is liable to fly at anything I might be carrying like a watering can. I stroke his back and pick him up at night with no problem. He is hatched from a great strain of dark eggs, is lovely with the hens, a light treader, and the chicks I've had from him have been lovely and very robust. So you think if I give him treats (which he will immediately call the hens for) and don't get between him and his hens, I should be OK?

 

[chrismahon]

Early Spring is the danger time Chickenfan when they can be unpredictable. We have one cockerel that has attacked a poo bucket and a watering can which my wife was carrying, but has never done anything like that with me. Follow those simple rules which don't challenge his authority and you should be fine. Never stroke a cockerels back, or head, as that is a very aggressive move. Instead stroke the wattles and chest.

 

[chickenfan]

Thankyou - and how interesting about where to stroke him. Thank you Chris.