My 3 Month Rooster Sick or Just Drinking a Lot?

[Fluffy_Butt_Hutt]

As I mentioned, he lost weight and had a wound on his comb. I don't think it's normal for him to lose so much weight in just one week - I could clearly feel it when I held him. Also, when I visited and put him near the other chickens, they chased him. He doesn't seem happy there

It is quite likely he wants to mate the females and they aren't submitting to him yet. 40-50 hens with 2-3 roosters is a great balance. It sounds like he should be very happy there. Every time I've brought a chicken home they've stayed stagnant in weight or lost a bit. The stress of a new environment, different food, the new pecking order, possible illnesses the chicken wasn't exposed to in their past flock, all of it takes time to get used to. Then, they bounce back in a month. I do not know what the wound on his comb could be from without pictures. I know it's hard to let him be in the hands of someone else, however, I think you found the perfect place for him to be happy.

 

[Efe]

It is quite likely he wants to mate the females and they aren't submitting to him yet. 40-50 hens with 2-3 roosters is a great balance. It sounds like he should be very happy there. Every time I've brought a chicken home they've stayed stagnant in weight or lost a bit. The stress of a new environment, different food, the new pecking order, possible illnesses the chicken wasn't exposed to in their past flock, all of it takes time to get used to. Then, they bounce back in a month. I do not know what the wound on his comb could be from without pictures. I know it's hard to let him be in the hands of someone else, however, I think you found the perfect place for him to be happy.

I might have overestimated the number of hens; it might be around 30 to 40. Is that still a good number? I hope he gets used to it, as you said. I'm just worried that things might go badly. Thank you!

 

[redinator]

I might have overestimated the number of hens; it might be around 30 to 40. Is that still a good number? I hope he gets used to it, as you said. I'm just worried that things might go badly. Thank you!

Most roosters do well with 7-10 hens for themselves, more isn't a problem. If there's no others roosters in the same pen/run/yard he should do well. Keep in mind he's never been around other chickens, or been outside so he has to learn first how to be a chicken, then how to be a rooster. He has the instincts, he just needs time to adjust.

 

[Efe]

I might have overestimated the number of hens; it could be around 30 to 40

Most roosters do well with 7-10 hens for themselves, more isn't a problem. If there's no others roosters in the same pen/run/yard he should do well. Keep in mind he's never been around other chickens, or been outside so he has to learn first how to be a chicken, then how to be a rooster. He has the instincts, he just needs time to adjust.

Thank you, that makes sense. I'll continue to observe him and give him time to adjust. I'm still concerned about his weight loss and the wound on his comb, but I hope he gets used to it.

 

[redinator]

I might have overestimated the number of hens; it could be around 30 to 40

Thank you, that makes sense. I'll continue to observe him and give him time to adjust. I'm still concerned about his weight loss and the wound on his comb, but I hope he gets used to it.

Are the new owners other birds in good condition?

 

[Efe]

Are the new owners other birds in good condition?

Yes, they looked fine. I didn't pick them up to check, but they were all energetic, and some even have chicks. Besides that, they also collect fresh eggs.

 

[redinator]

Yes, they looked fine. I didn't pick them up to check, but they were all energetic, and some even have chicks. Besides that, they also collect fresh eggs.

Then it's likely they know what they're doing and will intervene when/if it's necessary.

Think of it like this: If you went to a shelter and got a dog, would you expect the dog to adapt in a few days/weeks? These things take time and patience.

 

[Efe]

Then it's likely they know what they're doing and will intervene when/if it's necessary.

Think of it like this: If you went to a shelter and got a dog, would you expect the dog to adapt in a few days/weeks? These things take time and patience.

Yes I hope they know it. And hope it will be good. Thank you so much

 

[redinator]

Yes I hope they know it. And hope it will be good. Thank you so much

Your welcome.

 

[Efe]

Does anyone else have experiences or advice to share about introducing a young cockerel to a flock?