Help!

[tn_artist]

Do chickens chase off other birds? Where he is now is my bird garden.

After being home so much this past spring and summer, I got to spend lots of time with my birds. All spring the cardinals shared feed and scratch with all the chickens. The only time they were chased off was is a mother hen thought the wild birds were to close to her babies. We had sparrows and brown thrushes also, but they didn't seem interested in the chicken feed. Idk, but they may be primarily insect eaters. None of the wild birds seemed intimidated by the presence of chickens. Even the squirrles and rabbits shared the yard with them.

 

[Pullet Press]

I have always loved the idea of having chickens, to hang out with them, they have so much personality. And also for the eggs. I do worry though that if I got hens maybe the rooster would get aggressive. If I got roosters I worry about the crowing. I personally love it but not sure my neighbors would. They aren't really close but I don't want to be inconsiderate. Long story short, I don't know lol.

Like people, roosters have different personalities. Some roosters are mean, and others will hop up on your lap and let you pet them.
About the crowing, find out when he crows. My neighbor's rooster crows every day around 9 in the morning, and that's all. If his crowing is predictable, you might want to let your neighbor s know about when your rooster'll be crowing. If they can't tolerate the crowing, invest in a Rooster Collar.

 

[The Happster]

Each cockerel has a different personality.
Don't go into this assuming cockerels are aggressive. But also don't assume it's going to be easy. He's at an age where he might be a bit hormonal. Hopefully that will pass.
Buying more cockerels could work - if you're willing to do that. Sure they'd be easy to find and probably you'd find them for free.
If you want eggs, you could buy some sexed pullets. Look around your area.
Be aware when he firsts sees them he might be rather passionate. To introduce ANY new birds, keep them in aligning pens for a bit. Allow them to get used to eachother before actually putting them together.

As far as the wild birds go.
My chickens have always lived in peace with them. They eat alongside them. They walk around them.
But recently my favourite cockerel killed one. One peck. He had a son he was protecting; maybe that was partly why he did it.
Just be aware it's nature and things like this can happen.

Myself I've had only about nine cockerels over the years. The majority have been absolute sweethearts. I did have one that flew at my face one time. He calmed down a bit.

Are you willing to build a small shed and run? Have you owned chickens before?

Crowing? Well mine set eachother off, at all times of the day. I love hearing my boys singing. If you do have close neighbors, check your laws and make sure you're allowed to keep cockerels.
Ask your neighbours. See what they say. Explain you had a lost rooster come to your doorstep.

I don't recommend crow collars. They essentially stop the cockerel crowing by blocking off the windpipe a bit. Not what I want around my boys necks. I've also seen some photos of what they did to some cockerels necks. Possibly that was when the instructions weren't followed correctly. But still.
If you can't keep the cockerel, but decide you still want hens, go for it. They really aren't much trouble.

 

[CaliChris10]

Each cockerel has a different personality.
Don't go into this assuming cockerels are aggressive. But also don't assume it's going to be easy. He's at an age where he might be a bit hormonal. Hopefully that will pass.
Buying more cockerels could work - if you're willing to do that. Sure they'd be easy to find and probably you'd find them for free.
If you want eggs, you could buy some sexed pullets. Look around your area.
Be aware when he firsts sees them he might be rather passionate. To introduce ANY new birds, keep them in aligning pens for a bit. Allow them to get used to eachother before actually putting them together.

As far as the wild birds go.
My chickens have always lived in peace with them. They eat alongside them. They walk around them.
But recently my favourite cockerel killed one. One peck. He had a son he was protecting; maybe that was partly why he did it.
Just be aware it's nature and things like this can happen.

Myself I've had only about nine cockerels over the years. The majority have been absolute sweethearts. I did have one that flew at my face one time. He calmed down a bit.

Are you willing to build a small shed and run? Have you owned chickens before?

Crowing? Well mine set eachother off, at all times of the day. I love hearing my boys singing. If you do have close neighbors, check your laws and make sure you're allowed to keep cockerels.
Ask your neighbours. See what they say. Explain you had a lost rooster come to your doorstep.

I don't recommend crow collars. They essentially stop the cockerel crowing by blocking off the windpipe a bit. Not what I want around my boys necks. I've also seen some photos of what they did to some cockerels necks. Possibly that was when the instructions weren't followed correctly. But still.
If you can't keep the cockerel, but decide you still want hens, go for it. They really aren't much trouble.

So much great information! Thank you!
So far he is sweet. Already comes when I call him
I love crowing! Have only heard him the one time. We are on a bit more than an acre, zoned for horses. So that is not a problem and the neighbors aren't too close but I would worry if I had more than one rooster. I can talk to them like you suggested.
Totally willing to get him a coop!
What do you think about moving him to the "backyard"? He is in the front now. Will he be disoriented?
*Won't be using a crow collar.

 

[CaliChris10]

After being home so much this past spring and summer, I got to spend lots of time with my birds. All spring the cardinals shared feed and scratch with all the chickens. The only time they were chased off was is a mother hen thought the wild birds were to close to her babies. We had sparrows and brown thrushes also, but they didn't seem interested in the chicken feed. Idk, but they may be primarily insect eaters. None of the wild birds seemed intimidated by the presence of chickens. Even the squirrles and rabbits shared the yard with them.

Excellent! Thank you!
BTW, WOW, you have a huge flock!

 

[CaliChris10]

Would something like this be ok for him?

 

[birdlover2]

Would something like this be ok for him?View attachment 2294683

That looks plenty big for one chicken, but may not be big enough for too many more. How many do you plan on getting to keep him company?

 

[CaliChris10]

That looks plenty big for one chicken, but may not be big enough for too many more. How many do you plan on getting to keep him company?

Still figuring that out. I thought I would get something like this in the meantime so he has a safe place at night. I went to put out a dog crate last evening but had already left.

What if he is used to being free and won't go in the little house?

 

[MotherOHens]

What if he is used to being free and won't go in the little house?

I bribe with corn

Handful of corn kernels- or about a third of a cob, show him you have them-- he should go right in-- and you can close it up behind him.

 

[CaliChris10]

I bribe with corn

Handful of corn kernels- or about a third of a cob, show him you have them-- he should go right in-- and you can close it up behind him.

He does love corn