A Rooster showed up on my porch

[Melky]

I thought my main concern would be food - everyone seems to remind me he'll need hens!! I am afraid I have no experience with this - he'll need... full grown hens though right? Where does one get... hens? How many hens? (Thank you for your help!!) and *cues My Baby Calls Me Boss* for Mr. Brown!!

You may buy local, from hatcheries, or breeders. I bought my hens as one day olds from My pet chicken.com and they came from Meyer Hatchery. Keep in mind you may want to quarantine him for 3O days and any new additions to prevent risk or spread of disease. You may also look at rehoming section for free hens on BYC website under forums. This is a place where you can find free birds and post for rehoming if giving away. TSC gets there hens through Hoover Hatchery, Cackle is another Hatchery. There are many Hatcheries just look on websites and what is local to you. I found MPC for one day olds and Meyers for one day olds/pullets to be the most reasonable on pricing. My TSC does not sell baby chicks through the store and the website is too expensive for some standard breeds and crosses mostly. Not sure what your goals are but look at adding to flock under articles section, coop care and maintenance, feeders/waterers etc. Shop around for best pricing. Take your time. See my other post for numbers.

 

[Molpet]

someone probably dumped him that didn't want another roo
at least 6 hens for a roo..more room is better
http://www.adoptabirdnetwork.com/topics/chicken-space-requirements

 

[Melky]

How many chickens would he need? We are willing to care for him if no one claims him. I have ordered different food/snacks (meal worms) for him. I was looking at coops and runs - not sure how big it would need to be - do they need to be kept separate from the chickens? he's been sleeping on the back of a bench on our front porch. That's where we found him and where he's been chillin' every night. thanks for your help!

Typically about 3-4 sq ft per bird in house and run 5-10sq ft per bird. Four in the house and Ten in run is more comfortable. Less may seem crowded.

 

[Sinful chick]

And I don't own any roosters/chickens!! We are not sure where he came from but he looks to be in rough shape with missing feathers on his back and chest. He drinks water and I tried giving him some bird feed (all we had on hand) - and he seems to be eating and drinking okay. Has been here a few days - does not crow in the mornings, or at any point during the day - will just kind of make small noises. Comes right up to the windows and will peck on the door for attention. Doesn't seem to mind us walking by him, though it's not like we'd attempt to "pet" him. We have no idea what kind of rooster he is, where he came from, how old he is, or how to care for him. We have named him Mr. Brown, (James to his friends) because of his awesome strut, and coloring, but would appreciate any advice or wisdom you might be able to share! Thank you!

If you’re anywhere near San Antonio, I’d love an addition!!...

 

[Chickassan]

Nice you're letting him stay, that is a very kind thing to do James Brown is a lucky fella.

 

[adrikeen]

Glad you joined our flock! Pull up a roost!
Your situation touches me because this is exactly how I came across my first roo and my adult start into having chickens (had them as a child but didn't start again until 30+ years later). Best of luck with your new found friend!

 

[BlueBaby]

I thought my main concern would be food - everyone seems to remind me he'll need hens!! I am afraid I have no experience with this - he'll need... full grown hens though right? Where does one get... hens? How many hens? (Thank you for your help!!) and *cues My Baby Calls Me Boss* for Mr. Brown!!

Hello, and welcome to BYC! About the feed that you should give him... it could be just a regular all flock feed. Since he isn't a laying hen, he will not need the type that has the calcium in it. If you get hen's for him later on, they can eat the same stuff but add a bowl of calcium shell's on the side for the hens. They will eat is as they need it.

 

[andreanar]

Welcome! First things first, if you keep him, youll need a coop and fenced area, unless you decide to free range. You can keep him alone without getting any more birds. He might be lonely tho. Or you could get him some girls. You can check on Craigslist and pick some up there. Or try shelters near you. It would be nice if you could pick up around 10 girls that are already a flock that someone wants to get rid of. Make sure the girls are at least 9 mths old. Then you can begin the introduction process. It all may sound overwhelming and like a lot of work, but its really not that bad.

 

[Sinful chick]

Nice you're letting him stay, that is a very kind thing to do James Brown is a lucky fella.

I wonder, instead of crowing, one day, if he’ll belt out a “EEEOOWWW!” (Then strut off with his handsome self!....)

 

[Chickassan]

Best mental picture of the day!

I wonder, instead of crowing, one day, if he’ll belt out a “EEEOOWWW!” (Then strut off with his handsome self!....)