Hard decision - would like more info on Seabrights and choosing bantam breed

[Henny Penney]

The little Blue Old English Game Bantam pair we’ve had 31/2 mos. sadly isn’t going to work out, he has decided to attack me. We will keep her and get another pair. We found someone with a Seabright pair, another person has an Spangle Old English Game pair and a Fluer d’Uccle pair. I’ve never had Seabrights but think they are adorable, but I read they are prone to Marek’s disease and are not good layers.

would appreciate more info on Seabrights. It is a hard decision, we really like our little rooster but he’s decided to be over protective. I don’t like breaking them up but she is a good layer and we’d like two hens, so keeping her and adding a pair works. I hope.

 

[cavemanrich]

I only keep hens. Cant keep roosters in my area. What is your reason for keeping roosters???
I had Seabrights before, but only hens. My Silver Seabright lived to be 13 years. (my longest living chicken). My Golden Seabright lived 9 years. They are not big birds, but definitely not near the bottom of pecking order. My hens were also not aggressive ether.

Different varieties all living in harmony. As of October 2014 none in this group are with me anymore. No I did not eat them. The silver seabrite ( black and white) lived 13 years. The golden seabrite lived 9 years.

• cavemanrich
• Apr 6, 2014

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[MROO]

The little Blue Old English Game Bantam pair we’ve had 31/2 mos. sadly isn’t going to work out, he has decided to attack me. We will keep her and get another pair. We found someone with a Seabright pair, another person has an Spangle Old English Game pair and a Fluer d’Uccle pair. I’ve never had Seabrights but think they are adorable, but I read they are prone to Marek’s disease and are not good layers.

would appreciate more info on Seabrights. It is a hard decision, we really like our little rooster but he’s decided to be over protective. I don’t like breaking them up but she is a good layer and we’d like two hens, so keeping her and adding a pair works. I hope.

Before you write off your rooster, be sure to read @Beekissed 's article on "Rooster Speak." It's absolutely THE BEST description and explanation of rooster behavior I've ever read. Whether you keep your little guy or not, this is a MUST READ for anyone keeping a gentleman with their ladies.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/beekisseds-rooster-speak.73664/

 

[EggSighted4Life]

but I read they are prone to Marek’s disease and are not good layers.

That's what they said about Silkies too.. "they" were WRONG.

At 3.5 months old.. your boy just needs some redirection.. it's still early. He is testing his boundaries.

With bird flue in Washington.. I might not be spreading birds around from random places to mine.

How old are these other pairs you're looking at? Have the roosters proven themselves? Are they even roosters?

Also wishing you the best!

noting at 3.5 months you're just going according to written information on your pullets laying ability. That may or may not be true..

 

[Henny Penney]

That's what they said about Silkies too.. "they" were WRONG.

At 3.5 months old.. your boy just needs some redirection.. it's still early. He is testing his boundaries.

With bird flue in Washington.. I might not be spreading birds around from random places to mine.

How old are these other pairs you're looking at? Have the roosters proven themselves? Are they even roosters?

Also wishing you the best!

noting at 3.5 months you're just going according to written information on your pullets laying ability. That may or may not be true..

Thank you for your comment. The rooster that became overly protective was, we were told 1 1/2. He is now living in a larger flock, he is the little guy but seems to be getting along after picking fights with everyone twice his size at first. We miss him, but I'm older, with health challenges, and do not want to risk being attacked by even a little guy with those sharp claws. The pair we got are almost 1 year, we are having some issues with hen #1 being aggressive with the new hen, but there is progress. I was concern about bring new birds in, (I didn't know bird flu had reached WA), but they seem healthy, came from a man who raised them since he got them as hatchery chicks last May, no adult birds brought into his flock recently. BTW, both hens lay regularly.

This is Hazel (first hen) with a yet-to-be-named rooster and Sparkle. They are both Spangle OEG, she is Blue OEG.

 

[Henny Penney]

Before you write off your rooster, be sure to read @Beekissed 's article on "Rooster Speak." It's absolutely THE BEST description and explanation of rooster behavior I've ever read. Whether you keep your little guy or not, this is a MUST READ for anyone keeping a gentleman with their ladies.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/beekisseds-rooster-speak.73664/

thank you, I will read - thanks! He is gone though, you can see my update in my reply below to EggSighted4Life

 

[EggSighted4Life]

The rooster that became overly protective was, we were told 1 1/2.

I see where my misinterpretation came in.

Lovely flock there!