Easter Egger?

[Offshoreorca]

Could you check my close up pics to se what you think about gender? Thanks!

Unfortunately at 9 weeks-old it's a cockerel. A beautiful one, but probably not what you were wanting to hear...

 

[HilaryAkin]

Unfortunately at 9 weeks-old it's a cockerel. A beautiful one, but probably not what you were wanting to hear...

Not exactly what I wanted to hear, especially buying a pullet, but he’s part of the farm family now. Thanks for your input Is it true that hens are at least happier with male around?

 

[Offshoreorca]

Not exactly what I wanted to hear, especially buying a pullet, but he’s part of the farm family now. Thanks for your input Is it true that hens are at least happier with male around?

It happens sometimes unfortunately...

I do keep roosters with my flock. I enjoy their personalities and they do help look out for the flock, but I wouldn't keep one unless it was a good rooster. The hens won't be happier if it's a bad one (aggressive, etc.) or if you don't have enough hens - you'd usually want 8-10 hens per rooster, but this also depends a lot on the rooster's personality. I do think if it ends up being a nice rooster that they can add a lot to the flock though

 

[HilaryAkin]

It happens sometimes unfortunately...

I do keep roosters with my flock. I enjoy their personalities and they do help look out for the flock, but I wouldn't keep one unless it was a good rooster. The hens won't be happier if it's a bad one (aggressive, etc.) or if you don't have enough hens - you'd usually want 8-10 hens per rooster, but this also depends a lot on the rooster's personality. I do think if it ends up being a nice rooster that they can add a lot to the flock though

At 9 weeks would I know their aggression level or does it take more time? I will have 7 total hens (hopefully- unless more males show up in the pullet bunch). If he doesn’t fit in and is aggressive, what do you do with them to get rid of them?

 

[Offshoreorca]

At 9 weeks would I know their aggression level or does it take more time? I will have 7 total hens (hopefully- unless more males show up in the pullet bunch). If he doesn’t fit in and is aggressive, what do you do with them to get rid of them?

It will take time to learn how they will be as the hormones haven’t kicked in yet. You might be able to get away with that ratio if he ends up being fairly gentle. You can also work with roosters to ensure that they won’t be aggressive to you (although this doesn’t work for all, but many).

We first try to rehome roosters - most of the time this is successful, but if not, we process them. I’m very careful not to become attached to cockerels that I don’t plan on keeping. It’s hard to do, but I don’t eat much meat aside from what we raise ourselves as I know the ones we raise have a good life. There are lots of other options too though, depending on where you live. Sometimes there are rooster rescues. Sometimes people also have bachelor flocks if they don’t want to see them go (and will take in unwanted roosters). Also, wildlife rehab places and zoos will often use unwanted cockerels for feeding their patients. It all depends how attached you are.

 

[HilaryAkin]

At 9 weeks would I know their aggression level or does it take more time? I will have 7 total hens (hopefully- unless more males show up in the pullet bunch). If he doesn’t fit in and is aggressive, what do you do with them to get rid of them?

Wonderful information! Thanks so much!