Help: I have a dilemma

[MrsDudley2002]

These two are the most recent additions to our flock. They are 11 weeks old. The rest of my flock is just over a year old. We had two others of the same age, but they were roosters and had to find them new homes. I’m thinking the one in front is also a rooster, but if so it’s not crowing yet, so I don’t mind. Other than the fact that I think the rest of the flock is making him really sad and withdrawn. He is definitely the low guy on the totem pole. His tail feathers are always pointed to the ground and often you can find him hiding. He hangs close to the gal standing behind him, but they tend to stay far away from the rest of the flock. If he’s miserable here I’d love to rehome him, but then I’m worried the other one will lose her only companion of her same age.

Thoughts???

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

These two are the most recent additions to our flock. They are 11 weeks old. The rest of my flock is just over a year old. We had two others of the same age, but they were roosters and had to find them new homes. I’m thinking the one in front is also a rooster, but if so it’s not crowing yet, so I don’t mind. Other than the fact that I think the rest of the flock is making him really sad and withdrawn. He is definitely the low guy on the totem pole. His tail feathers are always pointed to the ground and often you can find him hiding. He hangs close to the gal standing behind him, but they tend to stay far away from the rest of the flock. If he’s miserable here I’d love to rehome him, but then I’m worried the other one will lose her only companion of her same age.

Thoughts???

Does look like a cockerel to me too. He looks a bit unwell, not sad. The stress of the move, as well as being exposed to whatever your birds may be carrying, may have set it off. Hopefully he feels better soon. It's always stressful and risky to add older birds instead of chicks. Birds build up immunity to what's in the soil they are raised on or by. A new place has it's own microbiological make up, and birds sometimes aren't used to it.

I'd probably not get rid of him at this point as removing him will stress the pullet out. If he becomes more lethargic and unwell he my need to be removed permanently unfortunately.

 

[MrsDudley2002]

Does look like a cockerel to me too. He looks a bit unwell, not sad. The stress of the move, as well as being exposed to whatever your birds may be carrying, may have set it off. Hopefully he feels better soon. It's always stressful and risky to add older birds instead of chicks. Birds build up immunity to what's in the soil they are raised on or by. A new place has it's own microbiological make up, and birds sometimes aren't used to it.

I'd probably not get rid of him at this point as removing him will stress the pullet out. If he becomes more lethargic and unwell he my need to be removed permanently unfortunately.

I didn’t just get them. I’ve had them since they were chicks. They spent a little over two weeks inside of a brooder, inside of the coop acclimating them to the flock.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I didn’t just get them. I’ve had them since they were chicks. They spent a little over two weeks inside of a brooder, inside of the coop acclimating them to the flock.

Sorry I misunderstood that they were the most recent additions. He still looks a bit unwell. I would keep an eye on him. It could just be those new tail feathers are heavy. Does he eat and drink okay? Is he walking okay?

 

[fluffycrow]

He is indeed a cockerel.

The hens seem to be doing what is commonly described here on the forum as “teaching the cockerel manners”. It’s quite logical for mature hens to want to nip disruptive behaviours in the bud by keeping their cockerels on their toes and always respectful.

He does look a bit poorly in this photo, I agree with oldhenlikesdogs. If he’s being heavily picked on, making sure that he gets enough food to sustain his growing body would be the first thing I’d rule out. Is he lethargic? Shyness is to be expected from a young bird that’s not welcomed by the group, lethargy is not.

You are correct in thinking that his presence does help the young pullet fit in. The juveniles often form their own sub-group, which depending on keeping arrangements, becomes either a completely separate group, or totally integrated into the original group, when it reaches sexual maturity (and more specifically, when the young pullets start to lay eggs). Have there been any attacks on the pullet, or are they only focused on the cockerel?

 

[LaFleche]

You can treat with Amprolium/Corid as his stance hints to coccidiosis which can affect young birds more when stressed.

Set out more feeders and water dispensers so they can not be monopolized by the adults and the young ones will always be able to get their fill.