Good Morning from SW LA!

[tmarie623]

Across the river from you in SE Texas. Love to go eat in LC!! I have a few Black Copper Marans, some eggs in the incubator along with some Dampierre eggs and a few Delaware eggs as well. Had a dog attack last fall that put me out of the chicken business for a few months.
Raised racing homer pigeons for years but the same dog killed my pigeons as well. Absolutely no use for an uncontrollable Pit Bull.
Had a barnyard mix of good chickens for years mostly descended from Delaware’s but the occasional New Hampshire as well.
I fly control line model airplanes as a hobby. Notice all my hobbies have wings? I do fish, crab and eat Cajun! Momma was 100% Cajun whirlwind. Daddy was a confused all American Boy!

If you live on this end---fishing, hunting and food is the lifestyle I understand completely about the dog situation. I have my own 2 that I KNOW will not be chicken guardians. That is why I've waited until getting the fence...to make sure I have a good sturdy separation. Atleast once every couple of weeks my neighbors dog gets out--I already know from it's behavior that it'll be an issue with my chickens. I'm nice about it now but that's about to change.

 

[Cynthia12]

WELCOME! You're going to love it!

 

[tmarie623]

I hate to say it but that kinda behavior might be a cockerel...that's been my experience anyways...the rowdy ones are cockerels.

I was wondering that actually....if people that spend alot of time raising chicks start to observe behaviors early on that might indicate gender. I was going to start writing these observations down to see if over the years there would be some pattern. Even though I have no experience I would almost bet money on it being cockerel. There are a few feisty ones in the group but most have calmed down by now when being picked up. This one---not a chance it's getting picked up without all the yelling, flapping and pecking drama.

 

[Trux]

I was wondering that actually....if people that spend alot of time raising chicks start to observe behaviors early on that might indicate gender. I was going to start writing these observations down to see if over the years there would be some pattern. Even though I have no experience I would almost bet money on it being cockerel. There are a few feisty ones in the group but most have calmed down by now when being picked up. This one---not a chance it's getting picked up without all the yelling, flapping and pecking drama.

Last spring I had 6 SLW my wife picked up at TSC. Of those six, four were cockerels. We keep the babies in the house for the first couple weeks before we move them to the outside brooder. Needless to say, I had quite a few sleepless nights as we use a heat lamp for warmth, so they were up during the nigh raising cane and fighting among themselves. I mentioned to her this fact and she told me I was full of it and that they were supposed to be pullets. Needless to say, I kept my mouth shut and let the birds convince her what I had known from about 4-5 days old.

 

[feathermaid]

I actually dread having to decide between which roosters to keep--that will be difficult and I hope I can atleast make 2 work. I'll be looking for advice when it gets close to time for that!

Hey, I came across this article recently, don't know if you've seen it yet but it's a good one on how to choose the best cockerel to keep:
Selecting Good Flock Roosters

 

[tmarie623]

Hey, I came across this article recently, don't know if you've seen it yet but it's a good one on how to choose the best cockerel to keep:
Selecting Good Flock Roosters

Just read it! Thanks for sharing! This is excellent advice.

 

[George3240]

If you live on this end---fishing, hunting and food is the lifestyle I understand completely about the dog situation. I have my own 2 that I KNOW will not be chicken guardians. That is why I've waited until getting the fence...to make sure I have a good sturdy separation. Atleast once every couple of weeks my neighbors dog gets out--I already know from it's behavior that it'll be an issue with my chickens. I'm nice about it now but that's about to change.

I have two Border Collies and they were raised with chickens. They do try to herd them but have never tried to hurt one. Yet! My neighbor has a Pit that goes with me to feed and never bats an eye at the chickens. She was socialized with the birds from puppyhood. The owner of the killer Pit promised to pay for damages to the Deputy Sheriff. Have yet to see a dime of about $2000.00. Knew he would never pay as soon as he opened his mouth. Some people! Good luck with yours!!!