How Do I Screen Out Those Who Want to Eat them?

[ChickensAreSweet]

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You don't have to let them take turns with the hens at all...it is up to you. If you do rotate them in with the hens, I would only do one roo at a time. Will the roo that was raised indoors get along with the other roos?

I am sure you will find the perfect solution.

 

[ClareScifi]

So can a roo go forever without having a hen to mate with?

The reason I ask is because my vet's secretary said she had 2 roos and no hens One was a bantie roo and he did fine without a mate, but her full-sized roo, after 3 years without a mate, turned mean, and she had to give him away.

I'm thinking if I put a hen in with the gentle smallest roo, maybe they would learn to like each other, or do you think it would stress the hen out too much? When their hormones activate, I'm thinking they might be much more interested in the little guy? It's not like he's a stranger, but he's not a brother to them like the other 2 are, since he grew up inside the house, not in their run with them.

I tried reintroducing him several times, but he was too little and at risk, and got charged and almost killed, so that didn't work. Now that he's bigger he can hold his own better,although I still don't trust the other little roos around him, or Mama. He can peck her back, but she likes to sneak up on him and ambush him from behind.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Quote:
Some roos turn mean on you after one year or more, no matter what you do. Been there done that.

You can put a hen in with the roo, and I wouldn't want to keep a chicken by themselves for a long time as they get terribly lonely.

 

[ladychicken&Ducklover]

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That was MY first thought. , cockfighting.

I'm in the same predicament ,

I have my Beloved WC Polish Roo who has decided that ONLY I would be the one he would attack..not DH or DS..

I'm at my wits end but will only give him to someone who would Be good and kind to him.

I totally understand

Good luck and BE CAREFUL

KEEP US POSTED

 

[Mattemma]

I actually posted on craigs that I was looking for a roo.We drove to PA to get him. If things don't sound right move on.If you can hold on to them do so that way you can take your time.When our roo dies I might post on craigs again. I just hope I am lucky enough to get a roo as nice as our current one.

I sold 3 of my hens once on craigs. The lady said they would not eat them,but you just never know.Just like people who take in free pets to resell. Follow your gut and hope for the best!

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

I've only read the first page, so someone else might have chimed in with some of the same things I will say. First, many breeders keep birds in pairs--one male and one female or trios--one male and two females. Having more than one male per 10 hens really is not a problem. Second, if you are being really picky about the home you release them to, ask them to fill out adoption applications much as dog/cat rescue organizations do, and do not give immediate release of the birds. Ask for references, and consider doing an unannounced drive-by of the property. For saferty's sake, take along a friend or two and do not go in, simply look at the setup as you can see it from the road.

Alternatives you can consider are giving them to neighbors or friends who you know will not eat them.

 

[86121]

Tell them you de-wormed them with a de-wormer that makes the birds toxic so they cant be eaten. (Had to fix the wording)
Thats how Ive been finding them homes and so far its worked

 

[Anna_MN]

Cockfighting is a HUGE money maker in Spanish speaking countries and has also become a problem in the United States (just like dog fighting!). If you do end up going there and he does have that many roosters or even more than 5, I would be concerned. My boyfriend is a police officer and I asked him about this topic and he gave me this advice for you- DO NOT GO ALONE, let people know where you are and what time you are going, never put your back to anyone, and bring pepper spray. He also told me that if you see more than the necessary amount of roosters, call the police a.s.a.p.! He also said to look out for signs of cockfighting such as- large area filled with sand, tape around the roosters legs/feet, excessive amount of medical supplies, or roosters in individual cages away from the group. Stay safe and keep us posted!

 

[ClareScifi]

Thanks for the tip about looking on Craigslist for folks seeking roosters. That is a great idea!

I like the tip about telling prospective adopters that the birds have been treated with de-wormers that make their meat poisonous forever, but with my luck, they'd research it and find out it's not true.

Thanks for the idea about having them fill out applications and submitting references. I tried that with cats and no one was interested. I think most people are too lazy, but it's a good thought.

Thanks for all the tips about what to look out for regarding cockfighting set-ups. That is very interesting to know. I think I'll drive up that way this afternoon.

 

[ClareScifi]

Also, thanks for letting me know that it's okay to keep birds in pairs-- one rooster with one hen. So do you think I could keep all 3 roosters (they are the same age) and that my 2 hens their age, along with the StepMama who is going on 2 years old. Would that keep them all satisfied and happy, without the hens being overworked?

I have the little Bantie hen but I'm afraid she might get hurt.

Also, I saw Good Guy biting StepMama's neck this morning. He is 14 1/2 weeks old. I have never seen him peck a hen's neck like that, and she hadn't done anything to provoke it,that I could tell. I believe him to be the Alpha Rooster. Do you suppose his hormones have kicked in already? It reminded me of a tomcat biting a queen's neck. Do roosters do this, too, when trying to mate with a hen?