Rusty was becoming the dominant male. He was winning over most of the older hens, that once whipped his butt. I had already had him tested and tagged for NPIP certification.
The only two cockerels still out with the flock. At this time I still wasn’t sure whether I wanted two cockerels or just one. So Rusty and “Oreo” were the two that made the first cut.
The other five had been put in the bachelor run (aka processing pen) for several weeks to fill out.
This picture shows the entire group of his hatch mates, all 8 of them, and 7 are cockerels. The only pullet is the White Rock/Welsummer cross in the front.
He and a hatch mate are taking their lives in their own hands eating with the BIG GIRLS!
Barred Rock, Georgia Girl, to the right of the feeder and Dominique, Lena, to the left. My three barred birds.