Bantams and Standards

[Susanhen]

I currently have a small flock of a small bantam hen (Susan), a slightly larger hen that's not quite standard and not quite bantam Yuengling), and an EE "pullet" that might be a cockerel (Pinot). I also have a week old Ameraucana and a 5 day old Dominique in a brooder in the house that I'll integrate when they're older. I haven't had issues with previous standard hens with my bantam girls. Right now Pinot, the "maybe he", is at the bottom of the pecking order. Does anybody have experience raising a standard roo with bantam hens? I'm not against having a rooster, and I know EE's tend to be on the smaller side, but I worry about the safety of my little Susan. My girls free range during the day during the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Thoughts?
Pinot

Yuengling

Susan

Susan and Yueng snuggling together in the nest box

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Just yesterday I saw my Marans rooster mating with one of my Old English Game bantams. Lucky for her he's leaving soon. Still, she could have flown away from him so I'm not sure why she didn't. I am really shocked he didn't hurt her.

I keep a mixed flock and have bantam and standard pullets, hens, and cockerels all together. They are in a 25 x 25 run until my husband gets home around 3 and then they free range until bed time (all day Friday - Sunday).

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Large rooster can hurt bantam hens. Certainly not every time they mate but it's more of a possibility. It's always better in mixed flocks to keep bantam roosters which can usually mate large hens to avoid the problem.

 

[Susanhen]

Thanks for the responses. I'm really hoping that Pinot turns out to be a pullet, but I'm afraid I'm grasping at straws. I'd hate to rehome "him". If "he" gets too big I'll have to find a place for him.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

How old is Pinot? Looks like a pullet to me.

 

[Susanhen]

I got Pinot mid January and the person I bought her from had picked her up at auction and we guessed she was about 8 weeks old. So about 14 or so weeks now? I keep posting her on the "Pullet or Cockerel" forum and until yesterday's biweekly check in, I had been told pullet. The person that saw her yesterday was adamant that it was a cockerel.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I think pullet, but it's always best to wait a bit more to be sure as the dark head feathers can be a sign of a rooster but not always.

 

[SunHwaKwon]

I just noticed the picture of Pinot and I think pullet too.

 

[Susanhen]

I really hope you're right! I love her color and would hate to lose her from my little flock.