Ok here is my dilema.
I’ve had my chickens for two and half years. In that time I’ve been very lucky that I’ve only lost one young rooster and one stupid hen that refused to follow rules!
I live in Dade City, Florida. It’s not the tropics but not bad weather either.
My flock is allowed during the day to free range 5 acres and to be cooped up at night for safety.
My hens/layers are different heritage breeds or hybrids. 37 hens and 2 roosters. We also have some juveniles that are being invited for “dinner”.
regularly!
PROBLEM: one of the rooster, George, is adorable, sweet, good tempered, intelligent and has never attacked anyone. He was one of the easter egger chicks we bought at the beginning and knows me well.
The other rooster, Jefferson, was acquired from a neighbor, he was less than a year old, and I believe him to be an Americauna. He is the problem! Attacks everyone that comes to visit, including me. The farmhand hates him! It attacked my daughter's boyfriend and she wants him processed, etc. Right now he is caged. See picture. Red one. He just refuses to realize I am top dog and his spurs are almost two inches long!
solution: replace Jefferson with new homegrown rooster. Hope hens accept newcomer and breed with him.
Reason to have a minimum of two roosters? With a free ranging flock the roosters will protect the hens from predators. I also have two guinea hens that are my security guards for the flock from air borne threats. And a pair of African Geese that are my guard dogs if anything approach the property.
All suggestions and advise is welcomed in this matter. I want to do what is right for my flock! Should I keep Jefferson and grin and bear his behaviors or turn him into an ingredient of a Brunswick stew?. If the answer is Brunswick stew how should I introduce the new rooster to the flock successfully! Thank you for all your advice!
I’ve had my chickens for two and half years. In that time I’ve been very lucky that I’ve only lost one young rooster and one stupid hen that refused to follow rules!
I live in Dade City, Florida. It’s not the tropics but not bad weather either.
My flock is allowed during the day to free range 5 acres and to be cooped up at night for safety.
My hens/layers are different heritage breeds or hybrids. 37 hens and 2 roosters. We also have some juveniles that are being invited for “dinner”.
regularly!
PROBLEM: one of the rooster, George, is adorable, sweet, good tempered, intelligent and has never attacked anyone. He was one of the easter egger chicks we bought at the beginning and knows me well.
The other rooster, Jefferson, was acquired from a neighbor, he was less than a year old, and I believe him to be an Americauna. He is the problem! Attacks everyone that comes to visit, including me. The farmhand hates him! It attacked my daughter's boyfriend and she wants him processed, etc. Right now he is caged. See picture. Red one. He just refuses to realize I am top dog and his spurs are almost two inches long!
solution: replace Jefferson with new homegrown rooster. Hope hens accept newcomer and breed with him.
Reason to have a minimum of two roosters? With a free ranging flock the roosters will protect the hens from predators. I also have two guinea hens that are my security guards for the flock from air borne threats. And a pair of African Geese that are my guard dogs if anything approach the property.
All suggestions and advise is welcomed in this matter. I want to do what is right for my flock! Should I keep Jefferson and grin and bear his behaviors or turn him into an ingredient of a Brunswick stew?. If the answer is Brunswick stew how should I introduce the new rooster to the flock successfully! Thank you for all your advice!