It came from outta nowhere!!!

[Doctor Cain]

Hi all. This is my first post. I'll have to do a proper introduction later, though... (check for it if you want in the newbie area!)

I had a few questions, and opinions or whatnot are always welcomed.

Let me first start off by saying the chickens I care for are wild chickens which I have grown very fond of. They come running to me when I call, and probably only like me for me food. But I find them very entertaining.

A few weeks ago, this rooster just showed up from out of the blue. It looks aged, white, and at first didn't come near the chickens that have been here forever. But now, he seems to have firmly established himself as cock-of-the-walk.

Now for my concerns. I wanna get rid of this rooster! But...yesterday I noticed that one of my favorite chickens (which was missing for over a month) suddenly appeared...and had 4 chicks with her. The rooster seems to mount her every 10 minutes or so. What exactly does this mean?? I'm assuming he's probably the "dad". That rootser gets a little chummy with some of the other chickens, too. I really don't need MORE chickens.

My questions:

What would happen if I were to "get rid of" that rooster? (not kill!!!)
Would the mama chicken have problems rasing her little ones?

Do chickens migrate? Sorry if thats a complete newbie question, I wonder since some of my faves disappear for weeks at a time, some permanantly. Also wondering of this rooster was "dumped" or if there is an owner around who may possibly have alterior motives......

Is there anything I can do to "train" chickens to be more friendly? How to pet them, hold them properly? And, do tricks, maybe? Some of them jump on my hand when I stick it out, some go straight for the shoulder, and some have actually SLEEP on my shoulder (maybe 5 months old at most)!!! I guess they're motivated by food. ^ ^

Thanks in advance to all who read this post. ^ ^

-Brandon Cain

 

[One Acre Wonder Farm]

Quote:
First of all,

Nothing would really be different if the rooster disappeared. The hens might be a little more relaxed (depending on how many there are), but that is probably all. They'd certainly be able to raise the chicks.

You didn't mention where you live; not sure about feral chickens migrating. We definitely don't have feral chickens where I live

Maybe someone else will come along who knows more about this. But if some chickens disappear permanently I suspect predators have gotten them.

Chickens will do just about anything for food/treats. Some will be more friendly and "trainable" than others, depends on the individual chicken.

Do you have any pictures of these chickens? I would love to see them!

Good luck!!

 

[ijon1]

Yes they will move from one farm to another. When I was a kid I lost my banty rooster. One appeared from a farm that was close to ours.

 

[The Zoo]

They probably go where the food is!
And I bet the rooster was dumped - people do that all the time.
If he's an old rooster, you'll have a hard time rehoming him.

 

[Sillystunt]

Hello! and WELCOME~
Wow, that's just crazy you have ferel chickens...lol

Can you keep the roo? I mean he is wild and old. Who really doesn't want more chickens

Just playing, maybe you could take him to an auction or rescue?

 

[Doctor Cain]

Here, I made a video of them!! Can you identfy any breeds? They are wild, so probably mixed.

You also get to see the rooster I dislike.

 

[lambchicks]

I have no idea, what to advise you to do, but wanted to say: I seems like you really do enjoy them. Thanks for sharing the video.

 

[greyhorsewoman]

Welcome ~~ !! That is a really cool video.

First, from the video, it seems you already have at least one other a rooster, so there is no way to tell who is the dad of the chicks (unless they look a lot like him). He probably has finally integrated himself into the flock and that is why he is selecting some females. The only way to keep the hens from hatching more chicks is to remove all the roosters (you may have a couple more in the youngsters, who knows).

Hens do not need roosters to help set or hatch or raise their chicks. Roosters are good at being 'watchdogs' for the flock, letting them know if anything predatory seems to be about and oftentimes, being the first ones to get hit. Since 'your' flock is feral, they probably are occasionally victims to cars, dogs, and who knows what.

I have no idea what other tricks you can teach chickens, most of yours are friendlier than my free ranging flock at our barn. Do you know where they nest/roost each night?

 

[briana1975]

Wow where are you that you have wild chickens? They really seem like they are very used to you.

 

[WalkingWolf]

Quote:
They look like Key West chickens but there are other locations with feral gamefowl. I love the colors though the mama looked like a wheaton and I think the daddy was a red pyle.