ALABAMA!!

[bbdal]

My best advice is to get a free rooster from someone that has an extra that has already proven himself safe around kids.  I have had several and hated to see them go to freezer camp.  I have also seen many roosters from various breeds that were as safe around kids as the hens are.  It is more the personality of the roo than the breed.  There are far too many nice roos out there to put up with one that is not kid safe and that will pass that on to it's offspring.  Let me know if you want to replace him, I have plenty of extra roos.

Thanks, Wisher! I may get jn touch with you soon!

 

[chirpingcricket]

Chicken breed question... Our RIR hens are great. The roosters not so much, especially with a young child. Any suggestions on generally more docile breed roosters that would be fine to breed to the RIR once we get ready to have more chickies? I understand you can't trust any rooster around a child but I want to make sure if we are going to keep a rooster or two around that we choose a breed wisely. Also, I know you can't go by generalizations about breeds because our bantam cochins won't let you near them unlike what I have read others say about them.

Hey, Wisher1000 gave great advise re: roo's. The more human interaction, holding, hand feeding the better the roo...

On the slaughter question...there is a great thread called Processing Day Support Group by Sally Sunshine. Alot of commentary and actual video/how to. It's rather long but I think you will learn alot on that site. Let me know if you need add'l help or questions. So glad you are here!

 

[Wisher1000]

re: roo's. The more human interaction, holding, hand feeding the better the roo...

I'm not sure I agree with this. I think that the more they are handled, the more likely they are to be agressive toward people. I handle my roo's very little. I ignore them, mostly. I have one thing I do to try to encourage a good relationship and that is to feed the roo the treats first. The roo comes to me for treats and he shares them with the hens. Once he has gathered them all around him, I will feed them some as well. I have hand feed all my alpha roos with very little actual 'hands-on' contact. I think a roo that is cuddled, petted, talked to, etc. is more likely to see you as another bird instead of a caretaker. I never feed treats to the lower ranking roos until the alpha has gathered and shared with the hens. I will throw them some treats at the edge of the circle of birds, but l let the alpha keep them on the fringes. I have only had three roosters that I didn't trust. One came to me already grown, a banty, one was a crazy polish, and one turned out mean in spite of my usual approach. I have found that the second ranked roo is more likely to want to challenge you, out of frustration. Those usually calm down once they have hens of their own. I have had literally dozens and dozens of really good roos, besides those three. I recently lost my favorite alpha roo. He was an EE and had survived a dog attack and a coon attack. I think a coyote got him but I have no doubt he was defending the girls. He was over five and was a great rooster. RIP Darty, I sure miss that boy. I am growing out several of his cockerals right now and bet they will be just as good.

 

[AParmer]

Chicken breed question... Our RIR hens are great. The roosters not so much, especially with a young child. Any suggestions on generally more docile breed roosters that would be fine to breed to the RIR once we get ready to have more chickies? I understand you can't trust any rooster around a child but I want to make sure if we are going to keep a rooster or two around that we choose a breed wisely. Also, I know you can't go by generalizations about breeds because our bantam cochins won't let you near them unlike what I have read others say about them.

I personally do not like the personalities on the RIRs. Strictly because they're so aggressive. It's a shame because they are generally very lovely to look at. I have a six or seven month old Blue Copper Splash Maran that is very gentle. I don't know if that is typical of Marans because he is my first. A local couple was re-homing him and my son and I fell in love with him. I currently have Black Australorps and Welsummers. Two young cockerels in each. They are all 8-weeks-old this coming Friday, so they're still a little young but so far there's no aggressiveness other than normal pecking order stuff. I have to say that I love the personality of the Dominiques. We kept my mothers flock for them while they were getting their property secured, he is a big baby. Very good with my 8 year old son and young chicks. She has 8 week old chicks in with him and his hens now. Good luck!!

Stevie and his chicks



The Dom and his harem, and my Willie Nelson.

 

[acreed]

We have some smooth and frizzle blk and blue polish chicks, oegb chicks, Millie fleur d'uccle chicks, and an EE rooster for sale. if interested please call 613-1033.

Where are you located? Also, to contact you, what is area code?

 

[chirpingcricket]

I'm not sure I agree with this. I think that the more they are handled, the more likely they are to be agressive toward people. I handle my roo's very little. I ignore them, mostly. I have one thing I do to try to encourage a good relationship and that is to feed the roo the treats first. The roo comes to me for treats and he shares them with the hens. Once he has gathered them all around him, I will feed them some as well. I have hand feed all my alpha roos with very little actual 'hands-on' contact. I think a roo that is cuddled, petted, talked to, etc. is more likely to see you as another bird instead of a caretaker. I never feed treats to the lower ranking roos until the alpha has gathered and shared with the hens. I will throw them some treats at the edge of the circle of birds, but l let the alpha keep them on the fringes. I have only had three roosters that I didn't trust. One came to me already grown, a banty, one was a crazy polish, and one turned out mean in spite of my usual approach. I have found that the second ranked roo is more likely to want to challenge you, out of frustration. Those usually calm down once they have hens of their own. I have had literally dozens and dozens of really good roos, besides those three. I recently lost my favorite alpha roo. He was an EE and had survived a dog attack and a coon attack. I think a coyote got him but I have no doubt he was defending the girls. He was over five and was a great rooster. RIP Darty, I sure miss that boy. I am growing out several of his cockerals right now and bet they will be just as good.

I get your point too....
Our first roo was over 1 1/2 years old and came out of a group of 4 and all of them were aggressive. Overcrowded and bored, belong to next door neighbor. She "gave-delivered-dropped off" this roo with 2 hens (mutts). He was all over the place emotionally at first. I found that with him, once caught, if I held him, carried him around a bit while doing chores outside of pen environment, he relaxed. Once relaxed, I would treat him, then call his girls out and start them on treats which he would defer them to the hens. I let them free range with our dog on site and he soon learned the pattern of feeding, ranging, and coming back into the coop when prompted/led...

Our second roo, one I raised from 3 months old, alot different. I can only remember 1 maybe 2 times he presented unfavorably. I picked him up, removed him, did the same as above and have yet to have a problem with him since. (Knock on wood)

I am a firm believer in having roos, and would be devistated if I lost either one of our "big boys". They are so smart and protective of their hens. I'm keeping one additional roo out of this batch, and so far, he is showing all the signs of a great roo too.....

It is important to me to be able to pick up (handle) our birds on a periodic basis to examine them and make that human contact. (husbandry issues, grooming, medicating etc.) They don't like to be caught at first, but settle down immediately.

Now I have 8 roos in a pen separated from the females about 3 weeks ago. The roos are 15 and 13 weeks old. They are doing well so far not having the females around, ranging and returning when prompted. Like you said Wisher1000, I had 1 of those roos, that tended to peck at my feet on occasion, no big deal. Until, 2 days ago, he pecked so hard and I reflexed instantly and slapped him backwards about 2 feet. Just once, he settled down and so far so good. (Not my nature to harm an animal, but this was definitely a superiority battle IMHO)

So, I guess I'm saying I have had 3 different situations in these last 3 years with roos and husbandry.

I highly respect what you noted above and your experience as well. I make no point to over handle the roos or hens. (Just try to give them treats, etc.)

Now, the peeper and pullet hens, while they will let me, "play with them", I'm guilty. They are now starting to "break away" and form their little groups. So, it will be time to do their final separation into the pens that they will reside, and/or sell.

Thank you for your point of view.

 

[Wisher1000]

Cricket - It sounds like we have very similar experiences and methods. I handle all my birds when they are little and cute, but with as many as I have, that is not a great deal of time. They all run to me for treats and occasionally one or two will get really friendly and perch on me or follow me around all day. I handle the roo's anytime I need to (dusting, moving to another pen, health checks, etc.) but don't try to pet them. I find that once you catch them, they are often more calm than the hens who tend to flap and squawk a lot more. I have also used the "hold them until they are embarrassed and submissive" with roo's that squared off at me or wing dragged toward me. I have tried catching them, putting my hand on their backs and holding them down in a squat position. I have even held them upside down by their legs and let the younger roo's take some mild cheap shots at them. I have since decided that there are too many really good, calm, flock protective, and diligent roosters needing good homes to fool with one that is anything but perfect. I have to get rid of so many roosters every year that the "problem child" boys are the first on the list, no matter how small the problem is, and I still have many, many good boys that go to freezer camp.........sadly.

This is why I always advise people to get rid of bad roo's and get one that deserves to live, guard a harem, and pass on those great genes to the next generation. Once I identify the good ones and choose the ones I will keep, I offer the next two or three best ones to anyone that wants them, free of charge. I have even driven to meet people who wanted them. If no one wants them, they go off with the rest of the roosters to be processed.

Last year I kept two, a BCM yearling and of course, my Darty. They co-existed quite well but both were taken within a couple of days of each other by a suspected coyote. I have two breeder Silver Campine roosters that have taken over flock duty but will be put back up as soon as another two or maybe three cockerals can be selected to take their place. I don't want my full blooded, show quality, breeder stock roosters fighting and sacrificing themselves for the layer flock.

BTW - I didn't mean to offend you by disagreeing, I just like to discuss different approaches. I am always looking for suggestions on how to improve my way of doing things and I'm always willing to share what I find that works for me.

 

[chirpingcricket]

Cricket - It sounds like we have very similar experiences and methods. Wisher1, I totally agree with you...I guess I should have taken more time to elaborate as you and I are now doing. I find that we both are coming from the same camp, in approach and long term planning. Also believe we agree on the interim plan(s) as well. I don't have show quality birds, but if I did, I would take my cue from you. As I said, I've been following you for quite some time and find you have a well balanced approach to many things.

I handle all my birds when they are little and cute, but with as many as I have, that is not a great deal of time. They all run to me for treats and occasionally one or two will get really friendly and perch on me or follow me around all day. I handle the roo's anytime I need to (dusting, moving to another pen, health checks, etc.) but don't try to pet them. I find that once you catch them, they are often more calm than the hens who tend to flap and squawk a lot more.

I have also used the "hold them until they are embarrassed and submissive" with roo's that squared off at me or wing dragged toward me. I have tried catching them, putting my hand on their backs and holding them down in a squat position. I have even held them upside down by their legs and let the younger roo's take some mild cheap shots at them.

I have used these methods, but don't have as many to deal with as you. These are methods I use on rare occasions, but will work. Not my favorite thing to take time out to do. If it took more than one or two of these measures/occasions, that roo would/will be marked for freezer camp. This is my first time to have multiple roos. They are such good looking fellas, behaving well so far, with exception to that 1 roo that 1 occasion. Originally those roos were going to freezer camp, just so we could become sufficient in that area......Unfortunately for me, they are so hamdsome already...so behaviour is Real important for me to monitor.

I have since decided that there are too many really good, calm, flock protective, and diligent roosters needing good homes to fool with one that is anything but perfect. I have to get rid of so many roosters every year that the "problem child" boys are the first on the list, no matter how small the problem is, and I still have many, many good boys that go to freezer camp.........sadly.

This is why I always advise people to get rid of bad roo's and get one that deserves to live, guard a harem, and pass on those great genes to the next generation. Once I identify the good ones and choose the ones I will keep, I offer the next two or three best ones to anyone that wants them, free of charge. I have even driven to meet people who wanted them. If no one wants them, they go off with the rest of the roosters to be processed.

It is sad, guess why I always encourage folks to have a good roo. Like your Darty, (RIP) they are so protective of their girls. Dogs, fox, coyote, coons, hawks, snakes. opposum, rats.....danger in general, first ones there and not leaving 'till the girls are safe. Like you, I want to make sure ours behave appropriately.


Last year I kept two, a BCM yearling and of course, my Darty. They co-existed quite well but both were taken within a couple of days of each other by a suspected coyote. I have two breeder Silver Campine roosters that have taken over flock duty but will be put back up as soon as another two or maybe three cockerals can be selected to take their place. I don't want my full blooded, show quality, breeder stock roosters fighting and sacrificing themselves for the layer flock.


BTW - I didn't mean to offend you by disagreeing, I just like to discuss different approaches. I am always looking for suggestions on how to improve my way of doing things and I'm always willing to share what I find that works for me.

Oh no, I was hoping you would respond to me and offer corrections/advice/recommendations!!!

Wisher, I've learned so much from BYC and have had you marked, with a few others, for a long time as someone to follow and learn the ropes. You have helped me so much, unaware.

I'm thrilled the AL thread is moving along and picking up new folks! I don't want to lead astray or hinder anyone, that would be so embarrassing to me.

I'm convinced now that we read pages from the same book and look for ways to apply suggestions/knowledge/insight/correction/instruction to improve ourselves and share that with others who ask!!! Thanks so much!

 

[RedneckGurl]

Cricket and Wisher1000 (and anyone else with lots of chicken experience),

I am in the process of completing my coop and run construction and will be getting some older hens (ages 2-4) and a young roo and three hens that are about 12-13 weeks old. I need some really good advice on how to successfully blend these two groups so as not to have problems.

Also, if I should find another rooster, you know, a free to a good home kind of thing, how good/bad is it to have two roosters in the same flock? My coop is 8'x8' and the enclosed run is 25' x 25' so there should be plenty of room but I worry about them fighting each other.

 

[Tomtommom]

I love roosters. My girls have changed since mine had to go... Such a shame roosters can't keep their traps shut

Would have loved to have kept a roo for them.