Cornish Thread

[chickened]

I have re-penned successfully but you need to consider the circumstances. I will repen at night, in a new area for all birds, and pen them VERY close together for a day, then extend their area. The shock of being moved...to a new spot....and close confinement....seems to foster more tolerance.

I did forget to mention when penning cocks keep the hens out of sight or they will fight. Group them by age is best. I routinely pen the cocks over winter together but they have an established pecking order already because I free range them prior to penning. A hen with them will result in a fight.

 

[mcrooke45]

I would not recommend this... In my experiences, once seperated, the Cornish cocks will never again be allowed in the same pen without fighting to the death of one or both. Remember, they once were called a 'game'.

I agree with kfacres on this. I had a large black langshan cockerel that I was going to sell. He was at least 24 or more inches tall and I had no spare pen to put him in. I desided to put him in with a new dark cornish bantam that I had just got a week earlier. The dark cornish bantam rooster is the sweetest chicken I own he will come up to you and let you pick him up and pet him. When I put that black langshan cockerel in with him the little cornish rooster snapped. The langshan was at least 4 times the size of the little cornish bantam who might be 10 inches tall. The little cornish rooster tore the large langshan rooster up. It was like David VS Goliath and David won. They can be sweet and timid until you put another rooster in with another one and then it is all out war. That little cornish bantam rooster could whoop the game roosters I had. Nobody messed with him. He ruled the coop. Thats how he got his name. It is Rocky.
Mark

 

[Minniechickmama]

I had to separate one of my DC LF roos out this fall to treat an eye infection. I had no where else to put him but in with the juvies I hatched this spring and summer. I stayed in with them until all was calm. The dom cockerel in the juvie pen wanted to take on the roo, but the old boy kicked his butt until I thought they had enough time to settle differences and establish who would rule the roost. I then split them up and held them both in place for a minute. When I let them up, all was calm. I went about chores keeping an eye on them and I haven't had any other problems since with them. I know if I were to put that roo back in with his "brother" and the little harem he has there would probably be fight to the death.

I like the way "Sue" describes integrating. That is one way I have used for other breeds.

 

[hdowden]

i'm looking to get some bantam cornish eggs next year. does anyone have any that they will be selling next year? if so can you please send me pics of your stock and your prices for eggs including shipping thank you.

 

[Schipperkesue]

I had to laugh today. I went out to my pen of bantam Cornish to feed, water and collect eggs. One of the BLR girls was thinking of going broody on the eggs. I pushed her off and she gave me a dirty look and went for a dust bath. Can you imagine raising chicks in such cold weather? I am just glad she was easily discouraged!

 

[hdowden]

I had to laugh today. I went out to my pen of bantam Cornish to feed, water and collect eggs. One of the BLR girls was thinking of going broody on the eggs. I pushed her off and she gave me a dirty look and went for a dust bath. Can you imagine raising chicks in such cold weather? I am just glad she was easily discouraged!

i'm raising 7 chicks right now that are about 2-3 weeks old, 4 silkies and 3 mixes . i wouldn't let a broody keep them though

 

[Schipperkesue]

Lucky you, Hdowdan! Are you able to hatch year round? How is fertility during the winter months in Louisiana?

 

[hdowden]

Lucky you, Hdowdan! Are you able to hatch year round? How is fertility during the winter months in Louisiana?

i throw in any eggs that i get and have at least an 85-90% hatch rate in winter months but for the most part everyone has stopped laying now

i hate shorter daylight hours lol

 

[Minniechickmama]

Lucky you, Hdowdan! Are you able to hatch year round? How is fertility during the winter months in Louisiana?

I even get pretty good fertility here during the winter. Getting them laying and collecting before the eggs freeze is a bigger issue.

 

[Schipperkesue]

I am sure I could collect and hatch a fair number through the winter but that is only where the trouble starts! I don't have a heated outbuilding, so brooding would be an issue. The basement is a possibility, but I really need a warm outbuilding!