Help me id this cockerel!

[hdowden]

He's a Buff Brahma.

x2

 

[Rosechuk]

Thanks for all the input. I have heard bad things about the RIR cocks too.

 

[leadwolf1]

I just noticed...you're from Wellsboro...what a beautiful little spot in the world

 

[dretd]

Well, I ordered cockerels, but I cannot tell one way or the other yet so I am assuming he is a he. I am considering keeping one of the cockerels that came in my batch since my beloved bantam cochin roo died last year. So far the contenders for keeping would be a barred rock, this brahma, a rhode island red or a buff cochin. Any thoughts? I do want a cock that is kid-friendly...

I agree with everyone about the Cochin or Brahma having a higher friendly probability..

I was wondering if you wanted the roo for procreation or flock protection or the charming crow at 4 am

?

A point to consider is that Brahmas get really big, and if you have a small number of hens they may get pretty torn up on the back. If the girls are numerous or also big-boned it wont be a big deal. I have a 1/2 Brahma roo and he is large (but not gigantic) and the smaller girls get pretty squashed when he mounts. Now, if you are looking at hatching replacement chicks for your flock, I would be inclined to go for the Brahma or BR since the hens of those breeds that I have are really terrific layers (more with the BR, but both are really good)--good traits to pass on to replacement pullets. I know nothing of the BR's general roo personalities, though.

Hit or miss with any breed with being 'kid friendly'. I recomend always keeping the eye on them, especially when your back is turned and reinforcing your place as head of the flock on a regular basis.

 

[Rosechuk]

Leadwolf1: Yup, Wellsboro is a very nice place. We have only been here a few years, but we really like it!

Dretd: Hope those fires get under control! Thanks for your advice. As for keeping a roo, I am interested in using him for procreation. I do enjoy how good my girls look with no rooster around (not all torn up), but I would like to have a cock for general fun, and for hatching some eggs occasionally. I have a mixed flock of about 20. Some small (1 bantam, some leghorns), some large (RIR, BR, Wyandotte). Thanks for the advice.

 

[dretd]

Leadwolf1: Yup, Wellsboro is a very nice place. We have only been here a few years, but we really like it!

Dretd: Hope those fires get under control! Thanks for your advice. As for keeping a roo, I am interested in using him for procreation. I do enjoy how good my girls look with no rooster around (not all torn up), but I would like to have a cock for general fun, and for hatching some eggs occasionally. I have a mixed flock of about 20. Some small (1 bantam, some leghorns), some large (RIR, BR, Wyandotte). Thanks for the advice.

Rosechuk, thanks for your kind thoughts. This photo was taken Sunday night driving home from Loveland, a city just south of Fort Collins. The fire had been burning for 8 days at that point. I just checked and its now 68K acres and 55% contained. They estimate containment wont be until July 8. It is a necessary process as there was a lot of beetle killed trees in very rugged mountains (and not places where you could have harvested the trees anyway even if someone wanted to log them, IMO) just a natural renewal for the forest. The area is filled with cabins and that's the hardest part---knowing all the folks that lost their homes.

Anyway, I decided to keep a roo for your same reasons (plus he is a really good flock protector, very vigilant). We just hatched our first batch of chicks from under our Welsummer. She's turning out to be a really great mom and they are very adorable. They seem to be growing faster than ones we raised in a brooder. I'm letting them free-range in my back yard with the flock so maybe its the fresh air and exercise. So far none of the flock is messing with the chicks.

With 20 in your flock you would be fine with any one of the roos since he could spread his lovin' around and I bet the bantams could outrun/fly him. Since you have BR already, you could get a few purebreds out of the mix if you kept the BR male. Maybe keep several of the roos and see which one has the best personality and CL the rest.

I haven't owned Wyandottes before, how do you like them?

 

[Gardeningmama]

Thanks for all the input. I have heard bad things about the RIR cocks too.

Not to beat the point to death, because I already said it, but yesterday my RIR roo attacked my 2 1/2 year old for absolutely no reason. Bit her leg and left a big black welt. She has manhandled him in the past, so I'm sure he's not too fond of her, but yesterday she was just walking past him. Hubby says he's got one more chance, which I'm sure he's gonna blow. So I think I'll save myself the time and put an ad on Craigslist today. I would not keep the RIR if you have children.

 

[Pele]

No breed of rooster is "kid friendly". Some things are just a bad mix. Just like stoves and kids.

 

[leadwolf1]

No breed of rooster is "kid friendly". Some things are just a bad mix. Just like stoves and kids.

I disagree...all our cochins, brahmas, d'uccles and oegbs have been wonderful with my 7 year old. And, our Serama is absolutely the best out of them all!!! I would agree that if you have a high energy child it might not be a good idea. However, if your child can handle himself correctly around them, they are just fine...I'm not talking about a toddler mind you but an older child that is ready for responsibility.

 

[cutlerfam7]

As much as I hate to say it, I would not keep the RIR. Mine is now 4 months old, and I love him dearly, but he's already getting feisty. Can't imagine what he'll be like a year from now. I've heard bad things about them, I'm starting to see why. As for the rest, someone else will have to chime in...

You should read the post about showing your rooster that you are the Alpha. It has some really good info in it.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/dealing-with-roosters-roo-behavior