Game Birds (got a couple questions)

[Puresilk]

If I have to make the bottom 18" solid so they cant see my other birds, that is what I call too aggressive...I was told that would be a problem but wanted some other opinions....I may get some game hens and put a bantam sebright with them or something...I will kill an aggressive bird in a heartbeat so its better if I dont get one that will likely get aggressive, either towards me or one that will try to fight another rooster that is penned white it is running loose....

 

[DTchickens]

Quote:
Well all honesty, if he fought them they are probably the ones you do want. Not necessarily for that reason, but if he fought them you know they are true games, they haven't been crossed with other birds which could risk killing their instincts which is necessary for them to live on open range. You should probably go and talk to him, some old timers may even give you a cock and some hens if that's all you're wanting them for.

-Daniel

 

[Puresilk]

Well that is a good way to look at it, but my main concern is whether I can get a rooster or not...I would love to have one as I think they are gorgeous but if they cant keep from trying to fight a caged bird I dont need one...

 

[DTchickens]

Quote:
JS gamefowl is pretty correct, and it is necessary for more aggressive breeds. But none of my pens had the barriers around the bottom while my American game cock free ranged, he definitely did chase OEGB's at times through the wire. But about 90% of the time he didn't worry about them until they got too close to him. It will be the same for the silkies, he approaches and they run. But once he stops hanging around they'll just go back to normal everyday life.


-Daniel

ETA: Really, if you want birds that can live on the yard and will not bother your silkies at all. Look into Ideal Poultry or MyPetChicken (i think they have them), buy the Indian Red Junglefowl. They look similar to games, and have the free ranging capabilities as well they are non-aggressive. Bout the only thing you probably won't like though, is they're not people friendly. You turn them out on the yard, don't expect to catch them until night time if you can climb a tree. Or that was my experience, and once you catch them be ready for them to scream and flap with all their might lol...

 

[Puresilk]

Thanks for all the tips, I am gonna get some game hens, and I am not sure if I am gonna get a game rooster or another breed of rooster to run with them...any other roosters that are at least decent with people that are hardy enough to survive?

 

[DTchickens]

Quote:
Heard of Leghorns doing decently on free range. Maybe you could look into the Key West birds? People sell them on Eggbid pretty commonly, and being from game heritage they have many of the same qualities and are typically less aggressive.


ETA: But I'm not sure if they're wild or not? You could probably ask the person who sells them, she is a rescuer if I remember and has a lot.

 

[Puresilk]

Thanks for the information. Can leghorns run and fly fast enough to avoid a dog? I thought they were pretty big and heavy...

 

[DTchickens]

Quote:
Leghorns are some of the lightest layers, think the cocks are only 5-6 pounds. Bout the size of a gamecock, and much more skittish. But if it can outrun a dog, I can't say. Truthfully I would prefer chickens not to run loose on a yard with dogs who will kill them at all, no matter what breed- eventually they will get lucky and catch them.

-Daniel

 

[Puresilk]

well if they cant survive with dogs around I guess I wont get any

 

[Ga.chickenman]

not trying to burst anyone bubble,but my game hens are just as aggressive as roosters.
towards other hens! unless I raised them form chicks,(thats why alot of folks call them fighting.....