Considering my first attempts at culling roosters

[Mrs. K]

Do report back!

 

[C Siena]

We hope to free range them like we are now but will definitely have a run attached as well.

I’m sure I can kill them when the time comes. I’m not squeamish ( retired RN). I did a mini autopsy on one that died and found a big lash egg. I just pity roosters as no one wants them and the hubby and I quite like their personalities. I’ve read if you can make it past the 6 week randy stage, they settle down quite alot.

The hubby was reading an article about how good classical music (esp. at 432 hertz) is for anxiety, dementia, seizures, etc. He had the brilliant idea to try it on the chickens so we are going to experiment. Lol. Stay tuned…

I would like to know about the music.

The 6 week randy stage lasts a lot longer! We need to cull a couple of 17 weeks olds. One crows on and off through the day and has become persistent in wanting to mount pullets his age. They don't want any of it and he is becoming a nuisance in the flock. I want, no need a peaceful atmosphere for the flock. It's better for them and for me.

 

[Carontheroad]

I would like to know about the music.

The 6 week randy stage lasts a lot longer! We need to cull a couple of 17 weeks olds. One crows on and off through the day and has become persistent in wanting to mount pullets his age. They don't want any of it and he is becoming a nuisance in the flock. I want, no need a peaceful atmosphere for the flock. It's better for them and for me.

I hear you. I believe the 6 week randy period is from the time they start getting randy. Mine at 14 weeks are just getting started now so I’ll try to hold out until 20 weeks to see what happens. My 4 older hens (4years old) are great at putting the cockerels in their place but the 10 seventeen month old hens seem to get the bulk of the mounting problem as they don’t correct the cockerels (or else they like it, not sure). The 11 sister pullets seem to not be of interest to them in that way but they hang out with them more. The fighting between cockerels has increased as well. How many cockerels do you have?

I tried the music tonight after work. I’m retired but work 2 days a week for the heck of it. Went and sat outside with my Iphone and a bluetooth speaker (and a beer) and they were mostly all paying attention. I think they liked it. They seemed to gather around. Then we went into the coop while they were getting themselves settled and we think it had a positive calming effect (it sure made me feel calm ). Too soon to tell yet but I’m hopeful. I tried to take a video but the music would stop when I used the camera. I’m going to go out there at 5:30 tomorrow morning or whenever they wake me up and set up the music and leave, see what happens. The coop is near my bedroom so I can hear what’s going on. If it helps, I only plan to use it morning and evening so they don’t get too used to it. They are usually pretty chill in the afternoons when sunning themselves and dust bathing.

I asked one of the neighbors tonight if the rooster noise was bothering them and he said no, they like it, a country sound and not too loud at their place. The other neighbor is closer though and likes to sleep in so not sure about them yet. Honestly, that’s my biggest worry. I don’t want to be an annoying neighbor.