Didn't Get My Roos?? What should I do?

[rfreedlund]

Here are a few pictures I was able to take, most specifically of those that seem a little more long necked or slightly longer tail feathers, none of which means anything, but these are least a few that aren't as likely to squat for me when I reach for them. My Australorps do a lot of that.













I am pretty sure they are all girls, though, and these are the "most masculine" looking of the 19 Australorps I have.

 

[donrae]

Agree those are all pullets. What luck, huh?

 

[speckledhen]

Well, I think you're right. They messed up your order and sent you pullets rather than the cockerels you ordered. Whodathunkit?

 

[rfreedlund]

What luck, huh?

Most would think so. Well, this way I have a few more layers for the winter and no roos to feed.

When do you think it would be a good time to get some roosters to give them sufficient quarantine time with still enough time to integrate them into my flock to try for some springtime hatching?

 

[rfreedlund]

Whodathunkit?

Not me, but it will be something to talk about and know it does happen the other way from time to time. Same question to you (or anyone else)...

When should I start looking for some roosters to be ready for a springtime hatch?

How many to service 48 girls?

What's the best way to integrate after quarantine?

Should I try to get roos that have already been together and used to each other or consider different sources?

Thanks.

 

[chicmom]

This happened to me too this year. I had ordered 5 pullets & 1 cockerel. They are Buff Brahmas. And no male. All girls. Sigh. I did find a rooster from Craig's list.

 

[Percheron chick]

If you go by the 1:10 you would need 5 roosters. But you don't need 5 rooster because you won't be hatching eggs out of all 48 hens. First what's the goal of the hatchings? Fun crosses, meat, eggs? Identify 8-10 hens that satisfy your goals. Build a breeding pen for them and toss them in there with one rooster. I would select him based on how he treats the hens he lives with, his breeding, his chicks, ....If you control the breeding, you have a better chance of ending up with nicer, better put together, higher quality birds. Why propagate a hen that lays a tiny off colored egg? Isn't it better to promote the ones that lay 5-6 eggs a week over the ones that only produce 4-5 is eggs are the goal? 8-10 hens will give you 48+ eggs a week to hatch. Are you going to incubate the eggs or let the hens hatch them? One batch of 48 chicks should give you at least 30 viable chicks, count on 15 roosters for the freezer and 15 replacement hens. You might have all the chicks you need in a month with just one rooster and 10 hens.

I would probably go with 2 roosters. One BA and one "fun" rooster like an araucana or ameraucana and raise some EEs or whatever breed rooster is pleasing to you.. I wouldn't worry about them being raised together and would personally prefer roosters from different stock. If you want chicks May 1, you need to be setting eggs the first week of April. Give him 2-3 weeks with the hens before you start collecting eggs so that means he need to be ready to go into the pen with the hens middle of March. Minimum 2 week quarantine so that's the first of March when you need to have him.

I only see girls in your pictures.

 

[appps]

I'll keep that in mind. It doesn't seem to make sense feeding them the whole winter. Plus it gives me time to set up a better quarantine area.

It's just tempting, though, as I am already seeing the number of roosters that are available to me free or for little money now!! 

There is always roosters for free or very little money. In every hatch anywhere up to 50% or more will be boys so finding a home for all those unwanted boys isn't easy, especially if its a pet you don't want to go in the pot but can't keep due to zoning.

so get your quarentine sorted first as a must and then keep an eye out for a good looking nice boy with a good temperament too. You shouldn't have to wait long.

And if all else fails you can always just buy a dozen fertile eggs for that first hatch and get your rooster that way. We aren't allowed roosters so that's how we do it.

Do you plan to eat your own extra roosters?

 

[rfreedlund]

Do you plan to eat your own extra roosters?

That is the plan.

 

[rfreedlund]

First what's the goal of the hatchings?

I really didn't have a plan other than to get some fertile eggs and attempt my first hatch with some decent looking eggs of my own, whatever might come from it not concerning myself too much about the bird quality or mixes at the time.

However, after reading your suggestions I am really going to take them to heart and put more thought into the whole process. Why get five roosters with its potential headaches when two will do the job and give me better control over what I get?

I am definitely thinking now that not getting my roosters has actually been a good thing and will give me more options for the near future.

Thanks for the reply.