Hector's World: Adventures and Mayhem at Mountain View Poultry (or Sequel to The Evolution of Atlas

[speckledhen]

Nice to have some that are easy to sex for a change

Agreed! These were very easy. Maybe it's just easier to sex Hector's line than the Stukel line.

Hector with Jill and Rowena today.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Wow, look at that tail, what a handsome boy.

 

[speckledhen]

Thanks, he is a handsome guy. That tail, it sure did come in nicely at last, but it is a tad on the droopy side. If it was just a few degrees higher, he'd be a real stunner. But, he's a darn good-looking guy, I think, and very attentive of the hens, goes nuts until they are all in the barn when I herd them home. He stops at the door and sort of crouches down to wait on the last one to show up unless I push him on in and tell him that I'll get her. I have no doubt that if need be, he'd meet a predator head-on. Good boy. But, he's still full of boundless energy, almost bounces off the walls at times. And such a loudmouth!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I enjoy watching my roosters in the evening round up the hens at roost time. The poor girl that lingers too long will get chased about with apparent annoyance. Good roosters always put those hens first. Once you have good ones it can be hard to tolerate the bad selfish ones.

I had wondered about that tail carriage, just though he was relaxed. That's a lot of feathers to be carrying around.

 

[speckledhen]

Wow, look at that tail, what a handsome boy.

I enjoy watching my roosters in the evening round up the hens at roost time. The poor girl that lingers too long will get chased about with apparent annoyance. Good roosters always put those hens first. Once you have good ones it can be hard to tolerate the bad selfish ones.

I had wondered about that tail carriage, just though he was relaxed. That's a lot of feathers to be carrying around.

Yeah, his tail is about level with his back, not what you want, per the standard, but at least he has one! We all wondered if he ever would.

I love a rooster who will break up hen fights, too. Atlas usually ignores them, though on occasion, he'll get between two of them. Big Isaac would swoop in and jump up and come down in the middle, then thunk each hen in the head. Hector flogs them if they fight.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You and I must spend about the same amount of time watching chickens do chicken things. They are so fascinating, and each is an individual.

I love the thunking, is that bad of me?

 

[speckledhen]

You and I must spend about the same amount of time watching chickens do chicken things. They are so fascinating, and each is an individual.

I love the thunking, is that bad of me?

They are much more complex than the average person gives them credit for, that's for certain. And yes, I love the thunking, too, LOL. I love to watch a rooster manage his harem and make them all toe the line. When I put Wendy, Zara and Athena in with Atlas, Wendy is going to have to run the gauntlet of Wynette, Dru and Tessa. Even little splash girl, Gloria Jean, can whoop up on those big hens if her territory is threatened. So, Miss Wendy Sue Williams (named for the talk show host with the big mouth, yes she is) may have to watch herself. If she causes too much trouble, Atlas may step out of his lazy disciplinarian role and lay down the law.

 

[1muttsfan]

His tail did kind of sneak in slowly over a long time. It is lovely, even if a tad low.

 

[speckledhen]

His tail did kind of sneak in slowly over a long time. It is lovely, even if a tad low.

Yes, it's a gorgeous, full one, isn't it? I just went in and was petting him on the roost, telling him what a good boy he is. He just eats that up first thing in the a.m. and last thing before bedtime. Any other time, he's on the clock!

Oh, I have another broody, ACK! Brandy, one of the partridge Brahmas who already raised chicks twice this year is going for her 3rd time, right after we finally broke up her sister, Bonnie, at 4 weeks into her 3rd time. Geez. Tom said if it was going to be that much trouble, just give her eggs. It's better for her health to let her do it than to have her be broody for over a month and no chicks, no natural end to it. She'd get Brahmas and maybe Hector will get a Brahma girl one day, LOL.

 

[Pyxis]

The broodies are crazy this year! Almost every single one of my hens in my layer flock is broody right now - I've got something like 13 hens with chicks. I have a cochin who was trying to hatch a light bulb. I just slipped her some hatching keets yesterday, I'm hoping she takes well to them. Checking tonight to make sure she's got them under her.