Don't know what to do...need advice.

[shelleyb1969]

I'm in a dilemma of sorts. I have 1 BR cockerel and 1 BR pullet. I'm in search of more layer pullets (any breed), but not having any luck finding any of suitable age.

My questions are:
1. Should I get rid of this one roo (whom I like VERY much) to keep him from being too rough on my hen?

Or,
2. Should I keep this roo (did I say I really like him!) and get rid of the hen and start over next spring?

And finally,
3. Would a single chicken be ok through the upcoming Michigan winter?

All of my other chickens are much younger bantams, so I can't put them together...my coop is too small for that. I'd really like to keep them both and find more pullets, but that option's not looking promising. Please, any advice is greatly appreciated.

Michelle

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

Is he being mean to the girl? If not than I would just keep them both. I think she is going to need some warmth through the winter for sure. I don't think one single chicken could make it through the cold winters we have. I'm worried about my 14 staying warm!

If he gets to mean put him in a bachelor pad cage to himself for a few weeks...he may change his tune a bit before winter gets here. Did you try craigslist? Try putting an ad in saying your looking for some hens. I bet someone out there is willing to give a couple up

 

[MissPrissy]

Put a saddle on her so he can't wear off her feathers.

Chickens are flock animals. They are social creatures that live in their own orderly world.

You should read the biosecurity threads in the archives.

If you add more hens to your curent pair you will need to provide around 6 weeks of quarentine to prevent outbreaks of disease and illness.

 

[shelleyb1969]

Quote:
Right now, I've got 2 other cockerels with them...but in about 4 weeks, I'll only have my one fave roo. So no, he's not being mean to her. I've tried posting everywhere for pullets...to no avail. I'm going to keep looking though.

 

[debilorrah]

Have you tried Craig's list? You can find anything on there. Feed stores around you? We found our chickens from a reference from the feed store owner.

 

[horsejody]

I had one Phoenix rooster with just one tiny little bantam for a long time. He never mistreated the hen. She never had a feather out of place. I wouldn't worry about him becoming a problem with her until he he gives you a reason. Also, Craig's list is a good place to start. And ask at the feed store and any livestock auction places near you. Those guys usually know who has what for sale.

 

[ThreeBoysChicks]

Keep your favorite Roo and the hen. I had a Hen and Roo that lived together for 1 year before I merged them with others. They got along great and he was not hard on her at all.

And follow the advise about quarentine.

 

[chookchick]

Your situation sounds very similar to mine! I had four chicks, three turned into cockerels, but I really like last one so I want to keep him. (The neighbor isn't thrilled about that). His name is Big Bird and he is living up to his name. His only companion right now is a little hen who must be part banty, as she is rather small. I'm worried about him hurting her when the hormones kick in, but he has always been very protective of her.

I got two hens that were older to mix in, but they chased my poor chickens relentlessly , so now I have returned the one hen who seemed very aggressive (a SLW) and am working on bringing in just the one (GLW). I have had to keep them separated for almost three weeks now, so make sure you have coop space to keep them separate. I had to build a little mini coop for the hens, to protect them from predators.

 

[shelleyb1969]

Well, I've made a decision. I'm going to get rid of all of my BRs, including the one hen. I'm starting over with Delawares and Buff Orps, hatching them from eggs. Hopefully I'll get a few hens.

 

[ravenfeathers]

Quote:
i'm not saying this to be snarky, so i hope you don't take it that way, but i thought it was interesting that you asked for advice, got the same answer from everyone (and i was agreeing with them as i read along), then decided to do the opposite. hee! sometimes insight comes from odd places. good luck with your hatching.