Euskal Oiloa ( Basque Thread)

[buckabucka]

At what age should I start integrating my new cockerel into the flock? The 11 hens are a year+ old, and until a week ago, they had two Basque roosters (same hatch as them) in there. A couple hens were getting bare-backed and I think they are enjoying the break from roosters so far.

The cockerels are 14 weeks old. The one I like is one of the two biggest. He is crowing, and whenever he finds a worm or similar treat, he calls to the nonexistent hens and picks up and throws down the worm repeatedly while the other bachelors give him an odd look.

I'm a little concerned because this rooster dances at me all the time. It does not feel threatening, he's not raising his hackles or anything, but he clearly thinks I'm a hen. I've been carrying him around a bit trying to teach him otherwise. Do you think his dancing is a sign that he may become aggressive later? Or do you think he is just desperate for some hens? I was going to put him in a cage in the pen for a few days to integrate him when it is time, but should I wait until he is older? The other cockerels are not mean, but they generally avoid me. This guy seems to have a bigger personality, but I may only think that because he interacts with me.
I appreciate any opinions.

 

[buckabucka]

The guy on the right here is the one I am considering. Seeing if I can upload a photo on a mobile device!

 

[chirpingcricket]

At what age should I start integrating my new cockerel into the flock? The 11 hens are a year+ old, and until a week ago, they had two Basque roosters (same hatch as them) in there. A couple hens were getting bare-backed and I think they are enjoying the break from roosters so far.

The cockerels are 14 weeks old. The one I like is one of the two biggest. He is crowing, and whenever he finds a worm or similar treat, he calls to the nonexistent hens and picks up and throws down the worm repeatedly while the other bachelors give him an odd look.

I'm a little concerned because this rooster dances at me all the time. It does not feel threatening, he's not raising his hackles or anything, but he clearly thinks I'm a hen. I've been carrying him around a bit trying to teach him otherwise. Do you think his dancing is a sign that he may become aggressive later? Or do you think he is just desperate for some hens? I was going to put him in a cage in the pen for a few days to integrate him when it is time, but should I wait until he is older? The other cockerels are not mean, but they generally avoid me. This guy seems to have a bigger personality, but I may only think that because he interacts with me.
I appreciate any opinions.

Sounds like he's ready for some real female company, you know, the hen kind. You could start in their pen, place him in the cage for a couple hours, give the girls a chance to inspect him, heehee

Then go from that point with letting him out to introduce himself. If you think the girls will outnumber him/overtake him, put a few (hens) in a cage until he's had a chance to socialize with the ladies....then let the others out to investigate him as well. May take a few hours/day, I'd stay close by, just in case.

Repeat the next day if needed, if they don't seem to want to settle down....Chirp

 

[buckabucka]

At what age should I start integrating my new cockerel into the flock? The 11 hens are a year+ old, and until a week ago, they had two Basque roosters (same hatch as them) in there. A couple hens were getting bare-backed and I think they are enjoying the break from roosters so far.

The cockerels are 14 weeks old. The one I like is one of the two biggest. He is crowing, and whenever he finds a worm or similar treat, he calls to the nonexistent hens and picks up and throws down the worm repeatedly while the other bachelors give him an odd look.

I'm a little concerned because this rooster dances at me all the time. It does not feel threatening, he's not raising his hackles or anything, but he clearly thinks I'm a hen. I've been carrying him around a bit trying to teach him otherwise. Do you think his dancing is a sign that he may become aggressive later? Or do you think he is just desperate for some hens? I was going to put him in a cage in the pen for a few days to integrate him when it is time, but should I wait until he is older? The other cockerels are not mean, but they generally avoid me. This guy seems to have a bigger personality, but I may only think that because he interacts with me.
I appreciate any opinions.

Sounds like he's ready for some real female company, you know, the hen kind. You could start in their pen, place him in the cage for a couple hours, give the girls a chance to inspect him, heehee

Then go from that point with letting him out to introduce himself. If you think the girls will outnumber him/overtake him, put a few (hens) in a cage until he's had a chance to socialize with the ladies....then let the others out to investigate him as well. May take a few hours/day, I'd stay close by, just in case.

Repeat the next day if needed, if they don't seem to want to settle down....Chirp

Thanks. I think he is definitely ready. Not sure how these hens will feel about the idea, but I may start with the cage this week. Maybe he will teach the Ameraucanas in the neighboring pen some proper rooster behaviors. They are the same age, but apparently slower to mature.

 

[chirpingcricket]

Thanks. I think he is definitely ready. Not sure how these hens will feel about the idea, but I may start with the cage this week. Maybe he will teach the Ameraucanas in the neighboring pen some proper rooster behaviors. They are the same age, but apparently slower to mature.

 

[Christabelle]

Does this breed carry the cream (IG) gene?

 

[Maggiesdad]

Does this breed carry the cream (IG) gene?

I believe they carry wheaten. But what I know about genetics will fit into the period at the end of this sentence.

 

[1muttsfan]

You could also set him up with a few of the nicer hens to get a little group going, then re-integrate them all at the same time - it can be hard to integrate a single bird, as they often get beat up on by everyone.

My very favorite rooster was a big sweetie, danced for me from the time he was young, was never aggressive or pushy with me. Dancing does not necessarily mean he will be human aggressive.

 

[motherhen71185]

I have a little basque chick that hatched. Only one that made it. The eggs had a very rough shippment. She (it but hoping it is a girls) is the sweetest thing!!! Loves to cuddle and very active. comes right to me when i put my hand in the brooder.

 

[Flat Rock farm]

I have a little basque chick that hatched. Only one that made it. The eggs had a very rough shippment. She (it but hoping it is a girls) is the sweetest thing!!! Loves to cuddle and very active. comes right to me when i put my hand in the brooder.

That's too bad you only got one. Well he/she sounds like a typical EO