change in rooster's behavior with hens

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That is a really good point! Haven't thought of that.



Nothing wrong with that! We definitely don't mind, and I am sure our girls appreciate the chance to regrow their feathers for the winter without having them plucked out daily by our vigorous rooster

Actually a rooster doesn't instinctively know. Fertility of a particular bird can be determined by the comb color and shape. Combs are visual clues to other birds on reproductive status. When hens go out of lay the combs shrink and lose their color. Same will happen to an unwell rooster. When birds are productive and fertile combs are big and bright red.

 

[alexa009]

I agree with everyone else's opinion that lower protein levels and molting are somewhat involved because my rooster is no longer feeding the chickens anymore and will chase them out of his personal space when eating. I believe I have to raise their protein levels to 18% instead of 16% just to regain more energy during molting season.

 

[aart]

Actually a rooster doesn't instinctively know. Fertility of a particular bird can be determined by the comb color and shape. Combs are visual clues to other birds on reproductive status. When hens go out of lay the combs shrink and lose their color. Same will happen to an unwell rooster. When birds are productive and fertile combs are big and bright red.

The colors trigger the instinct.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

The colors trigger the instinct.

I need you to follow me around and put all my scattered brain ideas into cohesive sentences. You are good at summarizing. I'm good at rambling.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

He needs a higher protein feed. I personally don't think fermenting raises the protein content...

Neither do I but I do believe that actively fermenting chicken feed results in diseases of the raspatory system brought on by fungus, yeast, and mold. Chickens are chickens, they have little if anything in common with mushrooms, wine, or cheese.

Read up on aspergillus and other diseases.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Neither do I but I do believe that actively fermenting chicken feed results in diseases of the raspatory system brought on by fungus, yeast, and mold. Chickens are chickens, they have little if anything in common with mushrooms, wine, or cheese.

Read up on aspergillus and other diseases.

I didn't want to say that and rile up the FF crowd. I think it's all whooey like DE and ACV.

 

[NewFlockOnTheBlock]

I do believe that actively fermenting chicken feed results in diseases of the raspatory system brought on by fungus, yeast, and mold. Chickens are chickens, they have little if anything in common with mushrooms, wine, or cheese.

With proper fermentation, mold or other harmful organisms do not have a chance to grow because the beneficial bacteria and yeast will push them out. Same as when you make a sourdough starter or foods like sauerkraut and kimchi. I've been fermenting for a few months now and have never had a problem with mold.

My reasons for fermenting are the health benefits of probiotics (birds need good bacteria in their gut too, not just mammals), the increased digestibility/bioavailability of nutrients in fermented feed, and the cost savings. We nearly doubled the size of our flock a few months ago, going from 8 to 15 birds, and transitioned everyone to fermented feed at that time. We're still buying approximately the same amount of feed with 15 birds as we did when we had 8, and they are definitely not starving

 

[NewFlockOnTheBlock]

Also, thank you to everyone who suggested a higher protein feed! It's almost time to buy another bag anyway so I'll check to see what our feed store carries as far as grower or all-flock in the next few days. We do provide crushed eggshells as a calcium source for our hens at all times so they should be good on calcium if we do make the switch.

I did just do a bit of online research and it seems like the difference between lower and higher protein feed types is fairly marginal, around 2-3%. Can this really make a difference for a chicken's well-being? Thinking about my own diet, I have pretty significant fluctuations in my protein intake from day to day, from week to week, and even from season to season, and I don't seem to notice any difference in how I feel, my energy level, etc.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Also, thank you to everyone who suggested a higher protein feed! It's almost time to buy another bag anyway so I'll check to see what our feed store carries as far as grower or all-flock in the next few days. We do provide crushed eggshells as a calcium source for our hens at all times so they should be good on calcium if we do make the switch.

I did just do a bit of online research and it seems like the difference between lower and higher protein feed types is fairly marginal, around 2-3%. Can this really make a difference for a chicken's well-being? Thinking about my own diet, I have pretty significant fluctuations in my protein intake from day to day, from week to week, and even from season to season, and I don't seem to notice any difference in how I feel, my energy level, etc.

I personally saw improvements by older hens suddenly laying again and I no longer see any egg eating or feather picking like I did on occasion when I fed a layer. That little bit of extra protein in my opinion made a huge difference with my flock.

 

[CannedMonster]

Actually a rooster doesn't instinctively know. Fertility of a particular bird can be determined by the comb color and shape. Combs are visual clues to other birds on reproductive status. When hens go out of lay the combs shrink and lose their color. Same will happen to an unwell rooster. When birds are productive and fertile combs are big and bright red.

This is absolutely true!
I have a similar problem as the OP.
My bantam Cochin cockerel Frodo used to be very healthy and vigorous.
He crowed and bred with the girls as much as he could.
His comb and wattles were plump and red.

I gave him to a friend and after a couple of months he began to deteriorate at her house.
She assumed he was depressed because the ONE pullet that he had ended up dying.
She picked Frodo up and was shocked to discover that he was emaciated.
Another bantam rooster I’d given her was perfectly healthy.
Long story short, Frodo is back at my house now.
He’s been here about a week and I’m disturbed by his condition.
Shrunken comb and bad color.
I think he sits with Pippin because he likes her warmth.

No crowing- no breeding- extremely emaciated- very hungry for protein and greens but he doesn’t eat much feed.
I’ve checked his crop and it doesn’t decrease very much in size overnight so I think there may be a problem there.
I caught him eating a leaf in the coop run and I hope he’s eating the grit I have in there’s because stuff like that is just going to exacerbate the problem.
I feed all my birds 20% flock Raiser with oyster shell free choice.
I massage his crop several times a day and give him protein treats and greens.
I won’t free range him right now because I’m afraid in his condition he won’t be able to defend himself if the others want to fight.