*Buff Orpington Thread!*

[Arielle]

Roosters can vary even with in a flock. I have a nasty black sexlink but all his boys are fine. I raised all from chicks, even the nasty black sexlink.

Plenty of roosters around to pick from this time of year. Check at the shows to find a well bred one, or check with Jim.

 

[CALI CHICK]

Thank you for the many replies. We might be moving from our secure, fenced-in 1/4 acre yard to a wooded 11 acre property near the El Dorado Forest. I'm afraid the girls won't be safe without a protective rooster, but I don't want a rooster that is mean to the kids or us.

-I was thinking of just getting a BO cockerel and 2 more BO pullets at the feed store and raise them up together, eventually merging them with the flock. They would be hatchery, but so is Buffy and we love her. I know it could go either way but at least they would have each other during the transition.

-I also like the reminder that there are a LOT of roosters available for cheap this time of year. The main concern here is whether or not the girls will accept and submit to him and let him be in charge.

And, we wouldn't have the benefit of raising him. I've been looking on CraigsList but haven't seen any Buff Orpingtons. Maybe I'll check with the Northern California Thread and see if anyone has some BO's.

Thanks again...I love hearing everyone's personal experience with both roosters and Buff Orpingtons.

 

[Arielle]

Definitely try to locate good stock, and not rely on the run of the mill craigs list.

Locate Jims Farm Stand on BYC and find the orpington breeders club and see if any are in your area. Or find a local poultry club for leads.

A rooster is of limited help in the area you are planning on moving to. WHat I do see the roosters doing it being on guard and watchful. Which is rather helpful, but even he cannot prevent a predator from taking a hen every time. He would be part of a more eleborate plan to minimize the access predators have to the hens.

I use short 4 foot fencing to keep the coyotes moving along their usual path. In the areas I don't have this up, is where the coyotes come in and grab or try to grab a hen.

It is also helpful to have the land around you maintained to support these animals by having enough wild sources of food. I live next to a hunting preserve-- a great amount of land available for the coyotes et al to find their natural food.

My goal is to make my birds harder to get than other sources of food. ANd I have several roosters on duty so someone is always on watch.

I hope this is helpful; this has been my experience.

 

[CALI CHICK]

Thank you, Arielle. Great information.
Yes,

we'll have coyotes and even mountain lions up there. I've thought about keeping them in a pen (like my silkies) and letting them free-range only when we can watch them but I know they won't like it. (Better penned up and alive than free -and dead!) And, I want to get a puppy that can be trained to stand guard as well. I fortunately have the time and resources to do that since I work from home.

 

[Arielle]

A dog is very helpful at keeping away predators, or at least alerting you to a problem. Most dogs work best to keep other dogs out of their territory. Domestic dogs are a source of predation too. Plan on putting in the time to train a dog well to your situation. I used to have a maremma for my sheep. It killed everything except the sheep. ( No chickens at the time.) Everything comes with a price, I guess.

Have you considered electric fencing as a perimeter fence? Fairly inexpensive after the initial investment in charger and fencing. I used a solar charged one with much success. It is mobile, too, so as you add on to the fencing you can make the area larger. Just a thought. GL

 

[CALI CHICK]

A dog is very helpful at keeping away predators, or at least alerting you to a problem. Most dogs work best to keep other dogs out of their territory. Domestic dogs are a source of predation too. Plan on putting in the time to train a dog well to your situation. I used to have a maremma for my sheep. It killed everything except the sheep. ( No chickens at the time.) Everything comes with a price, I guess.

Have you considered electric fencing as a perimeter fence? Fairly inexpensive after the initial investment in charger and fencing. I used a solar charged one with much success. It is mobile, too, so as you add on to the fencing you can make the area larger. Just a thought. GL

There is an electric fence at the property which they previously used for a horse pasture. Not sure if they plan to take it with them or leave it behind. (We will be renting.) I helped them take it down and they stored it in an outdoor container. It was white, belt-like stripping? The metal poles are still standing.

I didn't realize electric fencing could be used to protect chickens. What do you suggest....put the coops inside the fencing and then put chicken wire around the base? The chickens might still fly over...

Would raccoons and coyotes be able to crawl under? There is also a big, fenced in garden which might be able to be wrapped with the fencing? Of course, the chickens would try to eat anything I planted (so that would be another issue).

 

[thedragonlady]

There is an electric fence at the property which they previously used for a horse pasture. Not sure if they plan to take it with them or leave it behind. (We will be renting.) I helped them take it down and they stored it in an outdoor container. It was white, belt-like stripping? The metal poles are still standing.

I didn't realize electric fencing could be used to protect chickens. What do you suggest....put the coops inside the fencing and then put chicken wire around the base? The chickens might still fly over...

Would raccoons and coyotes be able to crawl under? There is also a big, fenced in garden which might be able to be wrapped with the fencing? Of course, the chickens would try to eat anything I planted (so that would be another issue).

There is elecrtric netting made just for poultry. That would be a big deterrent to predators.

 

[maryhysong]

I suggest http://www.premier1supplies.com/ they have electric fencing setups to suit almost any livestock/predator combination. All of their employees use their products themselves so they are very knowledgeable. Many pastured poultry producers use the electric netting alone for chickens/ducks/turkeys to keep out a variety of predators. Just be sure to get a charger that can handle the size/type/amount of fencing you get.

 

[Arielle]

the dragon lady is right, you use a special netting, very easy to put in and move around. ANd I have bought all my suppolies from premier1 for about 25 years.

This is NOT a substitute for a secure coop and run. Meant as a perimeter fence to keep in most creatures and keep out most creatures. Not fool proof. But I assure you, set up well, it HURTS!

THe other webbing is designed for horses and cattle, not sheep , dogs or poultry. Look at the on line catalog for very good information on installation. Good installation is KEY to successful use of this fencing.

 

[ladyrsanti]

Just snapped this picture outside a few minutes ago. My BO cockerel, Fritter. Such a good guy.