I wanted all pullets and accidental got a cockeral in the bunch.

[PRiesen]

I have two adult hens (Araucana and Light Brahma) and decided to add to the family. I live in a semi rural neighborhood with fairly tolerant neighbors, but figured that I would stick with hens so as not to push the envelope. Two months ago I added quite a mix: 2 more Araucanas and another Light Brahma as well as two Black Sex Linked, a Rhode Island Red, and 2 Buff Orpingtons. Much to my surprise, time has revealed that one of the Buffs is clearly a cockerel.

My primary concern is that the noise from the Rooster will upset the neighbors. If I am able to work through that issue, my secondary concern is that I will need to keep the Orpingtons separate from the others in order not to breed indiscriminately. We are building a new, larger coop so I suppose that I can simply divide it.


What to do? What to do?

I would appreciate any advice as I am not sure whether to simply find a home for the little guy or endeavor to work through it.

 

[Chicken_Lover4567]

Well, sometimes they send you "Packing Peanuts" with your order so your hens stay warm. But, usually they give you a roo AND your hens. Hmm... Then again, sexing isn't a completly accurate science, and isn't always right...but GOOD LUCK!

 

[arlee453]

Unless you are going to be hatching eggs, then there really isn't a need to separate the roo.

If you do decide to separate the orps into their own pen, be aware that a 1:1 hen/roo ratio may be pretty miserable for your hen. Roosters who only have one girl tend to over-breed her and make her life pretty miserable. Not every time, but more often than not.

So, you may want to get at least 1 or 2 more buff orp girls for your rooster if you decide to keep the breeds separate.

Other than that, the main issue is your neighbors - I say play it by ear. If you have a polite rooster that is not an obsessive compulsive crower, and that doesn't crow before sun-up, you might be fine. A rooster than just crows occasionally is absolutely no worse than a dog that barks when the post man comes, or a stray cat wanders by, etc.

If on the other hand, he ends up being one of these all-day/all-night crowing roos, then it may be best for neighborhood sanity and peace if you rehome him.

 

[PRiesen]

Thank you for the great advice. I think I will give it a go and see how manageable the little guy is....he sure is a doll now! I will certainly add more Buffs to the flock to ensure that the lone hen is not tested beyond her mettle. BTW, I went to your blog and your new puppy is adorable. I have an 11 year old Great Pyrenees and she is a gentle giant.

 

[LynneP]

If he's a sweet boy why not give him more hens and collect/eat those eggs first? I sure hope you can work this out with the neighbours!