Australorps breed Thread

[bonnylass79]

I don't handle my chicks and really only handle my adult show birds because they need groomed more frequently. Still, as they get older they do calm down and grow confidence, especially as the hormones kick in and they become breeding age. My adult Austrlorps are definitely the easiest for me to catch. They're also usually the first to come running for scraps and produce. So no, you don't necessarily need to handle them all the time as chicks to make them calm. You just need to give them time. Then again, I don't have any chickens riding on my shoulders, but I don't really want them to do that either.

 

[birdlady79]

They will "duck down" for you when they are ready to lay eggs. On BYC we call it the Egg Squat. It is the position the hens take when mating.

If you do not have a Rooster they will usually do it for you.

Oh Yay!!! No ROO.... Thanks

 

[ronott1]

Originally Posted by ronott1


They will "duck down" for you when they are ready to lay eggs. On BYC we call it the Egg Squat. It is the position the hens take when mating.

If you do not have a Rooster they will usually do it for you.

Oh Yay!!! No ROO.... Thanks

Keep an eye out for the squatting--They will lay the first egg within a week after the start.

 

[Saerasx]

I have a quick question. I have two BAs that are around 3 weeks old. One is larger than the other one but today I noticed the smaller of the two is developing a comb already and the other larger one has nothing. Is this an indication I could have a roo? Or just an every chick is a little different sort of thing?

 

[iwiw60]

I have a quick question. I have two BAs that are around 3 weeks old. One is larger than the other one but today I noticed the smaller of the two is developing a comb already and the other larger one has nothing. Is this an indication I could have a roo? Or just an every chick is a little different sort of thing?

Pics, please! But from what you say you may very well have a roo there...

 

[Saerasx]

Hoping these are ok. They weren't behaving I got one close up out of the brooder.

 

[getaclue]

We are having a little cold snap, so my grandkids' playroom has been turned into a temporary chicken coop.
They don't seem to mind this cat much, but they don't like the other one.



I have a cockerel, and two pullets. He sometimes attacks the pullets when I put a little bit of treats in the cage and they try to eat the treats. He will also attack the pullets if they try eating from my hand. I'm not sure if he's trying to protect them from what he perceives as danger (my hand), or if he's wanting to hog the treats, but he will be in a cage by himself for awhile if he keeps it up. I won't let him attack the pullets for coming to eat out of my hand, or getting treats. It seems that rooster training has to start at an early age. They are 4 weeks old.

 

[Gramma Chick]

We are having a little cold snap, so my grandkids' playroom has been turned into a temporary chicken coop.
They don't seem to mind this cat much, but they don't like the other one.

Young Roos can be very selfish ...wanting all the treats for themselves .
I have seen roos less than a year old do this too .
The smart ones call the hen & let them have the treat knowing there is a fringe benefit to them

 

[tnmommy]

He'll stop taking when he's grown and will call them over, they will get the best of the food treats. He will get treated, well, to a treat of his own when they mosey over to him.

 

[tnmommy]

Speaking of Roos, mine is up for more disappointment. One of his girls is acting broody. I may put a few Orp eggs under her. She was giving me quite the intimidating stare this afternoon when I collected eggs. Won't do her any good to sit on infertile eggs, though.