Backyard flock near Homer, AK

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Grizzly Bird said:
Cheers for the tips. Around what age/stage would you estimate my Icie males would start harassing the ladies? And what would harassment look like? They are six months now and a fairly cohesive team.
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Depends on the birds and their hormone levels.
When the pullets heads and/or backs start to get bare. Or they avoid coming out of the coop.
 
Grizzly Bird said:
Cheers for the tips. Around what age/stage would you estimate my Icie males would start harassing the ladies? And what would harassment look like? They are six months now and a fairly cohesive team.
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DobieLover said:
Depends on the birds and their hormone levels.
When the pullets heads and/or backs start to get bare. Or they avoid coming out of the coop.
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X2...

But I find with the darkness and cold, as long as they have PLENTY of covered wind free and snow free space... their hormones are pretty low until the light picks up some more.

Maybe mid February if I remember correctly.

But... you need the indoor space.. I find 9 square feet of snow free and wind free space per bird is the safe minimum for full sized birds.

And howdy from your neck of the woods!

Cold enough for ya? Brrrrrrr.
 
Grizzly Bird said:
Hi there, I am a new member but have frequently used this group in the past. This year is the first time I’ve been able to start my own flock of backyard birds. I haven’t had a consistent backyard as I’ve moved a lot, but I’m finally home on 10 acres in rural Alaska. I live with my partner, three cats, a dog and six Icelandic chickens. I most enjoy going for a walk with all ten of our animals! We live “off grid” with solar and a generator but are still on the road system. Since we have limited power supply I wanted a hardy breed for our winters as I didn’t plan on heating the coop as well as a breed that could free range and hold their ground with our cats. My Icelandic roosters have done a phenomenal job holding court for everyone. They don’t mess around! My little hens are sweet as can be though true to the breed they err on the skittish side and need a lot of bribery and handling to warm up to people and being picked up. But the personality of each of my birds is through the roof and I adore each one! I started with everyone from a day old chick and they are now around six months. I ended up with four roosters and two hens—a terrible ratio. But so far everyone is pretty happy and knows where they sit in the order, so there’s not too much drama. I love to call my little flock and see them come flying over to greet me (they like to fly!). I enjoy taking them blueberry hunting in nearby bushes and listening to their happy clicks when they find something really exciting to share with the ladies like a slug or tender fiddle heads. My girls just started laying an egg for me every other day—in 12 degree weather and fading light! I love my little chicken hobby and look forward to sharing and learning as a member of the group.
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Welcome to BYC!
 
Alaskan said:
X2...

But I find with the darkness and cold, as long as they have PLENTY of covered wind free and snow free space... their hormones are pretty low until the light picks up some more.

Maybe mid February if I remember correctly.

But... you need the indoor space.. I find 9 square feet of snow free and wind free space per bird is the safe minimum for full sized birds.

And howdy from your neck of the woods!

Cold enough for ya? Brrrrrrr.
Click to expand...
Alaskan, right on the money!! They have a nice large covered run they love and now that the light is starting to return Henchman II (second in command) is now being starved out by the flock and will need rehoming. Both my hens are now laying and have wonderful hen qualities. Mid February sounds exactly right for all hell to break loose. Time to start separating or selling the Roos.
 

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