I have 2, both 4 months, and at this age the difference isn't impressive when they stand next to the black australorps. Everything I read says that they will gain the height early but take a long time to fill out. Still, a 13 pound rooster.... We'll see!
If the bird is a pet (aka you don't mind a vet bill) I think there are implants that will stop the bird from laying eggs, and that could be a way to prolong her life and keep her around without the danger.
As chickens are food (to many), you can probably give away any number of them for free.
I have the same qualms as your partner so I just buy sexed chicks and let others maintain the breeds :love
I have gotten this kit with nipple style and cup style (I require the cup as a visual indicator on all my waterers) and have had some similar style cups from ebay that tend to last me about a year. Well it's not that they break, they just get algae or clogged and I have to futz with them.
So I...
I have a JG cockerel of a similar age and the bird is all black with a prominent straight comb. This bird's legs look a little greenish to me, as opposed to plain black.
Not sure on gender but agree with Abby above, some other breed!
I installed half inch hardware cloth yesterday and climbed up on my roof to sit still and survey what would happen next. I was up there for an hour while the sun set and no visitors.... probably for the best!
Might end up in another stakeout tonight. I'm also ready to set up coop area cameras...
Thanks @Sally PB they only come out at night and I haven't seen one in a while, so I have more to learn about racoons. As you might imagine, today has been full of internet searches about racoon poop vs coyote poop :p
For about 2 years I had good fortune with 2x4 wire fence being the sole barrier on my outdoor run space. This is a wooden structure approximately 4x8 covered with 2"x4" wire fencing and there have been no mishaps/attempted breaches to this point. Indoor coop is adjacent and always available...
I was reading about worms recently and did read that they can get into eggs.
I think I was so traumatized, that's as far as I got :) Also my primary interest was tapeworms and I don't believe those types wander into the oviduct area.
Good point about price and policies. I ended up paying the same price per chicken to end up with 6 pullets shipped (about $10 each) and part of my decision to order came down to the fact that it was late in the season and there weren't a lot of options left. Also, I really wanted to try some...
I have to wonder if they have someone not doing a good job at the chicken sexing on staff. I ordered last month as well, my order was 9 females, and got 2 males. And one chick died within 48hrs (but it came out of the box looking fine and I'm not cross about it).
Yeah and the policy is that...
So sorry for your bird and that this first year has been a tough one. Yes, please tell us about their living conditions, because chickens are so much fun and we want you to have success!
I just throw it under my fruit trees (although I don't have ton of it). I know, I know... probably too "hot"... But I seem to be getting away with it so I keep doing it 😅