Teenage chicken troubles

[foreverdavis]

We have two current problems that we need solving.

1. Flying chickens. My husband has clipped 3 inches off one wing--is that not enough? We still have chickens roosting in the trees at night and winter is coming. Plus, they lay their eggs where they please.

2. We have 3 roosters and 26 hens. We found one or two chickens with blood on their necks--had no idea why until today. My husband witnessed the rooster "gang rape". Yuck. Trying to decide whether to get rid of 2 or all of the roosters.

On a sidenote, I wrecked last month and broke my foot. I haven't been able to visit with or care for the chickens since! I miss them!! However, now my children are taking more or a role in the chicken care. We are getting 8-12 eggs per day!

Angie

 

[artsyrobin]

right off, i'd say take a 2 of the roos out of the flock, i have a bachelor pen for extra roos, or rehome them- the ratio is 1 roo and ten hens minimum, i have 1 roo and 15 hens- less stress on the ladies. Our teens are a bit more flighty than the rest- exuberant- do you have a cover on the run or are they free ranging? Once they start laying they seem to settle down, are you able to go out and sit with them?

 

[foreverdavis]

So, which rooster should I keep? I have two dark Brahmas that are gorgeous that I call Rooster Jack and Rooster John. I really don't know the difference in them except that Jack is the boss. The other rooster is a Buff Orpington named Buster. I like him, but he is the noisiest--crows all the time. I'm hoping he just found his voice and is practicing for the "real morning crowing"--lol. I just said I "like" him--in all honesty, none of the three are my favorites after this horrible behavior.

We do not have a cover over their run. We were hoping to just solve the problem by clipping their wings. After looking at a detailed description of clipping, my husband has only cut half of what needed cut.

I haven't really gotten to go out and sit with them. Sometimes I stand at the house door and throw out some treats to them. I love to watch them come running

!

Angie

 

[artsyrobin]

one of the reasons for the covered fun is predators- yes it keeps the chickens in, but more importantly it keeps the hunters out- with those three, i'd choose the Orp, as they tend to be gentle, known as gentle, once he is the only roo he probably won't crow as much either - its a hard choice though- you need to just observe the hens some and when you do give them only one roo the whole dynamic will change- as far as gang rape- have seen that happen and its really hormone overload- don't judge them by that- if any of the roos seem agressive to people, they would go too-

 

[This_chicks_place]

We had 3 roos, witnessed a gang "rape' once. It was hard to watch. We are now down to one. And he happens to be a very gentle BO.

He was bottom of the rooster pecking order, and actually got beat up pretty bad by one of the others. He now is a true "gentleman" to all his ladies and I wouldn't trade him for the world! Love my BO!

 

[PtldChick]

I'll put my vote in for the boss dark brahma (john?). My buff brahma cockeral was really a gentle giant. I had to give him up since I can't have roosters - but I'd have kept him if I could have.

 

[chickenjoefan]

ah its so hard to choose isn't it.

Its a shame you're not able to get in amongst the boys. Both times i've had a pen of boys and been only able to keep one, i have made my choice and then changed my mind by the time the culling day comes. Both times i ended up keeping the one who is friendliest towards me, both bantam orpingtons and lovely boys but they both had horrible brothers who went in the pot. good luck.

I agree you need to put them in a batchelor pen though while you decide.

 

[galanie]

Absolutely separate at last 2 of those kids. And pick the one that's the friendliest to people. Usually the head rooster is the one that crows and once he's not around, the other will start crowing a lot more.