What is a Cockerel?

A cockerel is a young rooster, a male chicken which has not been castrated. The point when a chicken transitions from being a cockerel to a rooster is a bit ambiguous, but in general, a rooster is a chicken which has fully matured, and mated with hens, while a cockerel is either still growing, or inexperienced with hens. When a cockerel is castrated, it becomes a capon. Capons do not develop in the same way as uncastrated birds, and they tend to be calmer and easier to handle as well as physically different from roosters and cockerels.

The term comes from the Old English cokerel, which is a diminutive form of cok, or “rooster.” At one time, adult male chickens were referred to as cocks, but when this term acquired a new definition in slang, the word “rooster” came into being. “Rooster” dates to around the mid-1800s, and it is particularly popular in the United States, a nation where double-entendres about cocks abound around the barnyard.

Cockerels have several traits which distinguish them from hens, often at a very early age. When chicks are first born, it is usually difficult to distinguish between males and females, but within weeks, cockerels have markedly pronounced combs on their heads, and they may appear bulkier, with longer and more decorative tail feathers. As they develop, these traits will become more and more notable.

Roosters tend to be larger and heavier than hens, with muscular bodies and spurred feet used in fighting. They also have long, decorative tail feathers, and heavy wattles and combs. A cockerel often looks particularly sleek and graceful, since the bird has not yet bulked out or begun fighting to defend territory with other birds, although cockerels can and will squabble if left alone with each other. It is common for a cockerel to seem especially proud and self assured, which explains why “cockerel” is sometimes used as a slang term to describe someone with an inflated ego.

Once a cockerel matures into a rooster, he will be happiest with a flock of hens to look after. Roosters generally rely on patrolling their territory to keep their hens loyal, and they will fight viciously with roosters who attempt to steal hens from the flock. The fighting instinct of roosters is world famous, and in some regions, roosters are actually bred specifically for fighting as a blood sport.

A cockerel is a young male chicken, typically less than a year old. The term is often used interchangeably with 'rooster,' but technically, a rooster is an adult male chicken. Cockerels are known for their developing plumage, crowing, and territorial behavior as they mature into roosters.

Cockerels can be distinguished from hens by their more vibrant plumage, larger combs and wattles, and the presence of spurs on their legs. Their feathers often have pointed tips, unlike the rounded ones of hens. Additionally, cockerels will begin to crow and exhibit more assertive behavior as they grow.

A cockerel typically becomes a rooster at around one year of age. This transition is marked by the cockerel reaching sexual maturity, fully developing its distinctive plumage, and taking on the full behavioral characteristics of an adult male chicken, including territoriality and a well-established crow.

Cockerels crow as a natural instinct to assert territory and communicate with other chickens. They typically start crowing between 4 to 5 months of age. Crowing serves multiple purposes, including signaling their presence to potential mates and deterring other males from entering their territory.

Keeping multiple cockerels together can lead to aggressive behavior as they vie for dominance and territory. It's generally recommended to have a lower ratio of cockerels to hens to minimize conflict. In larger flocks with ample space, it's possible to keep more than one cockerel if they establish a clear pecking order.

The role of a cockerel in a flock is multifaceted. As they mature into roosters, they protect the flock from predators, find and share food, and mate with the hens to ensure the continuation of the flock. Their presence can also help maintain social order within the group.