California - Northern

[Nikon]

That happens sometimes. It is not too bad unless it happens a lot. They are young still?

They're a few days shy of 18 weeks old. Well, we aren't home most of the day to moniter them, but I'd say she gets that kind of behavior at least once a day from each of the three roosters. They also seem to like Hershey (the BCM) almost as much. Sometimes I'll be in the yard and hear squawking and flapping and a chicken scream and hurry over to find them all looking innocent.

 

[ronott1]

They're a few days shy of 18 weeks old. Well, we aren't home most of the day to moniter them, but I'd say she gets that kind of behavior at least once a day from each of the three roosters. They also seem to like Hershey (the BCM) almost as much. Sometimes I'll be in the yard and hear squawking and flapping and a chicken scream and hurry over to find them all looking innocent.

Maybe there are too many Roosters to hen ratio?

Are the hens looking bare? They may need to be separated for a part of the day.

 

[ronott1]

rain rain, go..
NO WAIT HERE NOW NAIO!!!

Welcome new people!

I have Marans eggs, and they are the best tasting bird I have had, but i'm a bit far from you in San Jose.

I have turned into a do it yourself protien fanatic this year with marans, breese, quail and soon Muscovy ducks! IN fact I processed the extra James MArie boys yesterday all By myself. MArio was surprised by my actual culling method, but I have read at UC davis site that i you can get them right at the top of the spine they pass out instantly and feel no pain. So that is the new plan. It seemed to work no reactions on the head. ( sorry if I'm too graphic new people)

We ate the quail that evening with nothing but salt and pepper, and it was better then it was with soaking, i was surprised!
I also got a double youlker quail egg that was TWENTY ONE GRAMS! That is a third of the size of a muscovy egg! So excited. I set the new girls eggs to check fertility they are big. The manchurians lay ery odd shaped eggs, I hope they hatch ok.

I is not raining here but there may be a sprinkle tomorrow.

It has been a very weird summer. I forgot to turn off the mister timer this morning and made some "mud" for the chickens.....

 

[OR4-hmom]

Nikon,
My BR goes after a few of his hens, they tend to wander off or stray from the group. After a good chasing they hang close (for awhile anyway). Are yours staying together when you are able to watch them? Is he mating with them or just chasing?

 

[Nikon]

Maybe there are too many Roosters to hen ratio?

Are the hens looking bare? They may need to be separated for a part of the day.

Yeah, I know we have too many roos. We are planning on only keeping two and getting a couple more hens. No, they don't look bare at all. We've thought about free ranging them when we're home but that wouldn't be that long and I know we have predators so I'm leery. Our run is 12'x12 so i'm not sure how else i could seperate them.

 

[Nikon]

Nikon,
My BR goes after a few of his hens, they tend to wander off or stray from the group. After a good chasing they hang close (for awhile anyway). Are yours staying together when you are able to watch them? Is he mating with them or just chasing?

I've only seen one time where a rooster actually climbed on a hen so far and it was the OE roo and the little ameraucana hen. I just don't want to see her turn into a naked neck lol! It seems like she gets away mostly.

 

[ronott1]

Yeah, I know we have too many roos. We are planning on only keeping two and getting a couple more hens. No, they don't look bare at all. We've thought about free ranging them when we're home but that wouldn't be that long and I know we have predators so I'm leery. Our run is 12'x12 so i'm not sure how else i could seperate them.

That is a good question!

I have some chicken hutches I picked up from TSC. One has a little run and another one has a run that I made around it. Those would hold three Roosters. They are fairly predator proof when the door is closed.

If the run is secure you could stretch some chicken wire across it and make a temporary pen for them. The can all sleep together at night--Just keep them apart for some of the day.

 

[Ali707]

Hi all the new people and welcome back Papa Brooder. Your name has been thrown around here a few times in your absence. I was wondering how everyone knew you. Now I know. You were a regular here it seems.

I've only seen one time where a rooster actually climbed on a hen so far and it was the OE roo and the little ameraucana hen. I just don't want to see her turn into a naked neck lol! It seems like she gets away mostly. 

Funny they sll seem to run away like it is the most unpleasant thing ever. Lol

chance of rain in the forecast!  i'm making soup (avgolemono) with fingers crossed...

Yummy. I was looking for a good recipe for that just a couple days ago. How did it turn out?

rain rain, go..
NO WAIT HERE NOW NAIO!!!

Welcome new people!

I have Marans eggs, and they are the best tasting bird I have had, but i'm a bit far from you in San Jose.

I have turned into a do it yourself protien fanatic this year with marans, breese, quail and soon Muscovy ducks! IN fact I processed  the extra James MArie boys yesterday all By myself. MArio  was surprised by my  actual culling method, but I have read at UC davis site that i you  can get them right at the top of the spine they pass out instantly and feel no pain. So that is the new plan. It seemed to work  no  reactions on the head. ( sorry if I'm too graphic new people) 

 We ate the quail that evening with nothing but salt and pepper, and it was better then  it was with soaking, i was surprised!
I also got a double youlker quail egg that was TWENTY ONE GRAMS! That is a third of the size of a muscovy egg! So excited. I set the new girls eggs to check fertility they are big. The manchurians lay ery odd shaped eggs, I hope they hatch ok.

Gosh I wanna start those quail. But I could possibly be moving. So I have to wait. I should know in a few weeks for sure. I hate being in limbo!

 

[Happy Chooks]

We have 9 pullets almost 3 months old: 3 Australorps, 2 Delawares, 2 Light Brahmas, and 2 Leghorns. We also keep bees.

Where in Northern CA are you? I'm near Auburn and keep bees as well. (well, trying to - lost my hive last winter and had to start over)

Here's my question of the day to all the chicken masters:

Brawny ( our English Oprington Rooster) has the hots for our tiny Ameraucana pullet. Everyone seems to want Ellie! I know I've asked this before, and found out that he won't crush her, but how rough is too rough in chicken romance? Yesterday he chased her around tried pinning her down and yanked one of her neck feathers out.

Chicken mating is soooooooo NOT romantic. Unless he's drawing blood, it's not generally too rough. They have to hold them down to balance. Young cockerels take quite a bit of practice to get it right.

Quote: Golly, I did type that didn't I? I meant light, buff and dark. Sheesh, not enough coffee this morning I guess.

 

[Nikon]

The sunset in Rough & Ready, CA tonight.