I guess there are more "idiots" than me out there! I usually cull pretty hard with my big chickens, but for some reason or other, I just have a soft spot for banties! This past spring, I ordered a straight run of "assorted banhams" for my grandchildren's "project" for the summer. I don't know how he got by me, but we had a crossbeak survive to adulthood (fully feathered, anyway). I did not pay close enough attention to the chicks. I was making sure the kids kept the brooder cleaned, fresh water, plenty food, etc. Anyway, we now have a cross-beaked, red rooster, and wouldn't you know it, he is their fav!
When I picked him up while moving to a coop the three of us built, just for them, I realized how thin he was because of his deformity, so we put a bright red band on his leg. (No need, really, since he is the only red rooster) ANYWAY, we started taking yogurt with us when we went out there, and mixed chick starter crumbles in it in an effort to bulk him up. It took him 2 days to expect special treatment, and now, he flies up on "his" corner perch waiting to be picked up. One grand child gets him settled on their lap while the other one prepares the food, and the little dickens eats about 3/4 cup of it twice a day! The kids take turns feeding and preparing. And while the one holding the food cup for "Lucky Chicken" (LC for short), the other one feeds the rest of their flock, changes water, and whatever else needs to be done, then they switch roles the next go round.
I am happy to report that everyone, LC and the kids too, have grown trememdously, in more ways that just weight and size. The kids are even talking about writing a children's book about LC. I think I may have created a monster here, but to develope their nurturing abilites and empathetic social skills, it will be worth feeding the little thing through the school year until they can come again next summer!
When I picked him up while moving to a coop the three of us built, just for them, I realized how thin he was because of his deformity, so we put a bright red band on his leg. (No need, really, since he is the only red rooster) ANYWAY, we started taking yogurt with us when we went out there, and mixed chick starter crumbles in it in an effort to bulk him up. It took him 2 days to expect special treatment, and now, he flies up on "his" corner perch waiting to be picked up. One grand child gets him settled on their lap while the other one prepares the food, and the little dickens eats about 3/4 cup of it twice a day! The kids take turns feeding and preparing. And while the one holding the food cup for "Lucky Chicken" (LC for short), the other one feeds the rest of their flock, changes water, and whatever else needs to be done, then they switch roles the next go round.
I am happy to report that everyone, LC and the kids too, have grown trememdously, in more ways that just weight and size. The kids are even talking about writing a children's book about LC. I think I may have created a monster here, but to develope their nurturing abilites and empathetic social skills, it will be worth feeding the little thing through the school year until they can come again next summer!
