HELP! All Roos??? Straight run...never again. :-(

[ChantzsChickens]

This is our first batch of chickens ever so we are still learning! These 6 were given to us by a friend who bought them straight run at Easter for her preschool class. We've had them since they were about 3 weeks. They are about 19 weeks now. Three are crowing, 1 BR, 1 Buff Orpington and the RIR. We are not positive about the other 3. We are getting 10 10 month old hens tonight so we're going to have to thin out the roos but I want confirmation before any drastic steps are taken. Thank you in advance!!

 

[Mountain Peeps]

I'm sorry but all those beauties are male.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

Bummer, that's some bad luck! They are pretty guys though!

 

[jennfurtrombly]

Yep, all boys for sure! I have a hard time with "straight run".. I think a lot of places sell their pullets and then sell mostly roos in a "straight run" bin. Most everyone I know who's ever bought "straight run" has ended up with at least 75% roos.

Bummer for you, but glad you're getting some girls. You want 1 roo per 10-12 hens so you'll probably want to rehome 5 unfortunately.

 

[ChantzsChickens]

That's what I was afraid of! I agree about straight run! I have learned so much with these boys at least. 1: What the definition of straight run is! Grrrr! 2: We LOVE chickens!! 3: There's nothing much more relaxing than sitting in the yard watching them. :-D
So there have been some positives! We're leaning towards keeping a Barred Rock Roo. Opinions?

 

[Mountain Peeps]

That's what I was afraid of! I agree about straight run! I have learned so much with these boys at least. 1: What the definition of straight run is! Grrrr! 2: We LOVE chickens!! 3: There's nothing much more relaxing than sitting in the yard watching them. :-D
So there have been some positives! We're leaning towards keeping a Barred Rock Roo. Opinions?

Barred Rocks are a very great chicken breed. However, they can be a little bossy. I would recommend keeping the Buff orp roo.

 

[katelk]

That's what I was afraid of! I agree about straight run! I have learned so much with these boys at least. 1: What the definition of straight run is! Grrrr! 2: We LOVE chickens!! 3: There's nothing much more relaxing than sitting in the yard watching them. :-D
So there have been some positives! We're leaning towards keeping a Barred Rock Roo. Opinions?

I have 2 Roos for my 10 hens. One of my Roos is an Orpington. The 2 get along perfectly and actually work as a team standing watch over the ladies. I LOVE my Orpington roo. I would definitely recommend keeping the Orpington at least. Mine will tolerate being held and pet and eat out of my hand and has never attacked a human (my nosey dog, sure lol). Good luck !!

 

[ChantzsChickens]

Thanks everyone so much!! My buff orp is actually my favorite and has a beautiful crow! Yay! We'll definitely keep him. We tossed around the idea of two...we shall see. I really appreciate all the advice...even though it confirmed my fears! Ha!

 

[ChantzsChickens]

Thanks everyone so much!! My buff orp is actually my favorite and has a beautiful crow! Yay! We'll definitely keep him. We tossed around the idea of two...we shall see. I really appreciate all the advice...even though it confirmed my fears! Ha!

 

[donrae]

What a handsome group of boys!

Any of those breeds are going to make a fine backyard rooster, so it's really up to you which one to keep. If you're planning to breed your own birds, the Red rooster's offspring will probably lay a bit better than the Rocks, and better than the Orps. The Orpington's offspring will be more likely to go broody. The barred Rock will give you all barred chicks, so if you keep him you'd better like barred birds lol.