Anyone have luck catching a feral chicken?? UPDATE: Rooster caught, no hen

[Ravynscroft]

Probably a dumb question, as I know it's most likely possible genetics-wise, as they are the same species, but physically, can a tiny bantam rooster breed large fowl?

Yes, they can... you would be surprised what they can accomplish when they're determined... offspring would be closer in size to hen though, size is directly related to egg size when bantam/lf crosses happen...

 

[rjohns39]

Yes, they can... you would be surprised what they can accomplish when they're determined... offspring would be closer in size to hen though, size is directly related to egg size when bantam/lf crosses happen...

I need to get a pic of the hamburg/del crosses. They are beautiful birds. The Hamburg/IL, not so much. BTW, I still don't know when or how he got to the girls—but the evidence is clear.

 

[RodNTN]

Yes, take it from an experienced owner, tiny roosters can mate with huge hens

 

[Ursuline Chick]

I do have one perk to the whole egg thing. I know what Gurtrude sounds like when she is actually laying her egg, so I've gotten really good at catching eggs. Basically, she will lay them in my hand. They don't get any fresher than that.

View attachment 1155243
Gurtrude, with Lizbeth in the background, free ranging in kitchen and waiting for goodies. They already had their crickets and jumbo meal worms, and are waiting to see what else they're gonna get. When they decide they're done roaming, they come over and hop up on me for some attention. I trim their nails and file their beaks, and make sure they have plenty of opportunities to do chicken stuff. I even make sure they get dandelions, walking around the yard looking for the best leaves, and plan to have a dandelion garden for them next year.

Craziest thing is that my husband has no issues with them living in the house, and treats their free range time in the kitchen as if they were a couple of family dogs hanging out waiting for us to give them food. He doesn't even complain about the poop that splats on the floor .

You get the prize for best chicken person, or top rooster in charge.

 

[Ursuline Chick]

Good morning all Squatch watchers. Will today be the day?

I sure hope, keep checking and reading, would love to know something, even if it's just about the hunt for her!

 

[Sassysouth]

Mr Squatch sure is handsome!

 

[Parront]

LOL! Nothing is more energetic than a small rooster on a big beautiful hen! The Small Sultan (free exotic) pet rooster made some really cute crosses with Orpington hens 3 times his size! Fluffy! Could not believe it was going to work, learned my lesson.

 

[Parront]

LOL! Nothing is more energetic than a small rooster on a big beautiful hen! The Small Sultan (free exotic) pet rooster made some really cute crosses with Orpington hens 3 times his size! Fluffy! Could not believe it was going to work, learned my lesson.

 

[Kusanar]

Well, I don't know much about catching wild chickens, but I caught a wild pigeon today... poor guy has a messed up wing and acted half starved when I brought him in and gave him food and water.

 

[Ursuline Chick]

Well, I don't know much about catching wild chickens, but I caught a wild pigeon today... poor guy has a messed up wing and acted half starved when I brought him in and gave him food and water.

What a lucky pigeon!! And what a kind person you are, I don't think the pigeon would have lasted on his own.