I was telling a lady I know that we finally got chickens and she told me if I got a rooster I should be prepared to kick it across the yard to show it who's boss. I was horrified.
The minute I suspected a roo in my flock I started reading about how to handle it. I've learned so much from the experts here on BYC and I'm thankful. Because I like my rooster.
I love hearing Emmet crow in the morning, which isn't too early either. He's so sweet to the girls. He calls them for treats he finds, lets them eat first, and keeps a watchful eye for predators. He's a wonderful escort for them and they all seem to like him. No bare backs, he has never hurt anyone while mating.
We've had our moments of learning and he's beginning to understand the rules. Crowing is ok if he's across the yard, no mating in line of sight. He's been goosed on his fluffy butt and chased off and kept away from the girls. Shades of @Beekissed and her excellent advice. And she's right, it's FUN! I keep him guessing...some days I don't give him an inch of slack, some days he might get a break.
I have learned too though. I don't sit with the girls on the edge of the patio any more because he started his little shoulder drop dance. I put myself in a bad position before I even thought about what I was doing. We have a picnic table where the girls join me now instead, but he's not allowed up there with me.
I've taught my kids how to handle him and the grandkids are never allowed out to see the girls without an adult.
We seem to have an agreement , he still eats from my hand, but at arms length. I'm not afraid to turn my back on him, but I do keep an eye on him. So far he keeps an eye on me too but hasn't decided to attack.
The minute I suspected a roo in my flock I started reading about how to handle it. I've learned so much from the experts here on BYC and I'm thankful. Because I like my rooster.
I love hearing Emmet crow in the morning, which isn't too early either. He's so sweet to the girls. He calls them for treats he finds, lets them eat first, and keeps a watchful eye for predators. He's a wonderful escort for them and they all seem to like him. No bare backs, he has never hurt anyone while mating.
We've had our moments of learning and he's beginning to understand the rules. Crowing is ok if he's across the yard, no mating in line of sight. He's been goosed on his fluffy butt and chased off and kept away from the girls. Shades of @Beekissed and her excellent advice. And she's right, it's FUN! I keep him guessing...some days I don't give him an inch of slack, some days he might get a break.
I have learned too though. I don't sit with the girls on the edge of the patio any more because he started his little shoulder drop dance. I put myself in a bad position before I even thought about what I was doing. We have a picnic table where the girls join me now instead, but he's not allowed up there with me.
I've taught my kids how to handle him and the grandkids are never allowed out to see the girls without an adult.
We seem to have an agreement , he still eats from my hand, but at arms length. I'm not afraid to turn my back on him, but I do keep an eye on him. So far he keeps an eye on me too but hasn't decided to attack.
I hope Noodles is a good boy and you get to keep him! I don't chase Emmet or hold him, but of his own accord he will eat from my hand if there are raisins involved.
very kind of you both.
