Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[Folly's place]

We have four cockerels, two bantam EEs, and two white Chanties, and they are out there trying hard to impress the ladies...
Mary

 

[aart]

The Last Brother is growing a pair since the other 2 are gone...
...comb is getting bigger and he's crowing and mounting.

 

[1muttsfan]

I terminated my rooster night before last. He was only 3 or 4 years old, but this summer started getting a little big for his britches. I have 4 young boys, so will keep one for replacement, and have found homes for 2 of the other 3 - a big change for me! Usually they have to be culled.

So my boyfriend had 2 of his buddies up visiting. When I told them I was going out to bump off the old boy, they wanted to watch. I catch birds after dark when they are easier to catch and it is less disruptive, so I snuck in and grabbed him by the legs, stepped out the door, and performed cervical dislocation. They were speechless, then said uncertainly - "That was quick". Yes I told them, I feel that when we take an animals life it should be as quick and painless as possible. He had a great life and a quick end. And it is good for people to know what their food costs in terms of the animal's lives, not just in dollar value.

It was SO quite here the last few days without him! He was a big talker. Not missing that.

 

[1muttsfan]

I like the Gang of Six picture, Mary - poor little guy looks like a vagrant

 

[Folly's place]

I tried cervical dislocation with a large SS roster, years ago, and failed. Not a good scene!!!
Learned the very hard way that roosters have way more muscling there, and while hens are easy, at least some roosters aren't.
Our last SS rooster (a total jerk!) and the last time I'll try it with a rooster. I get out the 22, while the bird is in a live trap, so a good head shot is easy. Also fast and humane.
And my birds, my responsibility, I agree.
Mary

 

[aart]

performed cervical dislocation

Broomstick or bare hands?

 

[Folly's place]

Good news today, first egg from one of the April 15th pullets! Yahoo!
An aqua egg from the one EE bantam, very cute. Some of the big pullets are getting red combs, and mating, so soon for them, probably.
Mary

 

[Frankiegirl]

You guys are going to think im crazy but my pearl star leghorn has been laying 2 eggs a day and when not laying 2 she has a double yoke...I know that isnt common and it is definitely her laying them both....my white leghorn is revving up the egg machine

She’s only been laying a few weeks but do I have an exorcist chicken??

 

[Folly's place]

Hope she settles into a more normal pattern, so updates will be interesting here.
Mary

 

[aart]

You guys are going to think im crazy but my pearl star leghorn has been laying 2 eggs a day and when not laying 2 she has a double yoke...I know that isnt common and it is definitely her laying them both....my white leghorn is revving up the egg machine

She’s only been laying a few weeks but do I have an exorcist chicken??

Both eggs are hard shelled?
How long has she been laying?
Not uncommon, especially for high production breeds like leg horns and sexlinks.
Super Ovulator!