My flock is now full - but, I think I may have a rooster?

[CluckyCluck]

When I first started, I had a young chicken that got stuck in the corner of my coop that wasn't blocked off. They can get in the weirdest predicaments. It is very possible that it got lost to predation as well. I'm sorry to hear that, as it was very cute.
I have also lost a full grown fat hen for a good 4 hours. Found her after.. I was stunned. I searched forever for her. Normally they suggest keeping young chickens like this penned until they know where to go in when they sense danger. I let my chicks free range after 6 weeks if they are standard size.
If I were you, I'd keep these ones and just get more pullets in the future. Do you have a feed store? Normally they can order in sexed chicks for you.

I have a tractor supply - they only have chicks in spring - I have no idea if they'd order them or not? I don't imagine so though.

 

[chickenlover89]

I'm so sorry, but yes you traded 3 boys fro 3 boys, for barred rocks, just look at the legs, if there is black down the front, then it is (90% of the time) a pullet. Also what "aoxa" said about the mostly black also works, and look at the wings, if they are more black than white, there is a good chance that chick is a pullet.

 

[chickenlover89]

lol wait...so what you're telling me is I traded 3 boys for 3 boys?

I guess I can only laugh at myself. I'm sure to experienced people it's just easy to tell. For me and the boy, not so easy lol.

The polish/sizzle frizzle dee has disappeared. There's no predators other than possibly a hawk - but I've never seen one around my property. Hopefully he wandered off and doesn't know how to get back to his place yet but the kids are searching for him. So, maybe at 2 weeks they shoudln't roam with the big girls? I'm at a loss.

I'm just gonna enjoy em, boys girls whatever. If the barred turns out to be a boy (and there is only one pictured above) then that will be the rooster.

I can read all the information in the world, but I suppose nothing is as good as experience. I wish I had chicken friends who lived here lol.

Barred rock roosters are usually know to be calm and docile, and friendly, so they are a good rooster to have.

 

[CluckyCluck]

All the big girls are inside, as well as the other three little ones in their own little area.

I hope he wanders back. I'll keep the lil ones inside. The grass is a little long in some spots too - hopefully he's hiding.

On a good note, I got 2 eggs already today and 3 yesterday! I'm going to hve to start looking up receipes.

 

[CluckyCluck]

Barred rock roosters are usually know to be calm and docile, and friendly, so they are a good rooster to have.

I hope so! Had I known I was trading a boy for a boy - I would have kept the boy I had. He was very kewl - but I'm sure out of all the ones he had I could never pick him out again.

Oh, and the barred rocks crop when down - whew. Can baby chicks over eat?

 

[aoxa]

Duh. I went back to page three of this thread and CLEARLY you said, the boy will have more white than the girl, and I got it wrong. I went for the all white head and was so proud of myself for remembering that tidbit about sexing them, which of course turns out to be backwards - I guess I'm meant to have a barred rock roo! Fine!

Additionally, I do realize being young doesn't automatically mean irresponsible. But this guy looked to be in his 30's so I was VERY surprised when he said he was just 21 - and his attitude was that of an opportunist ( sneaky dude ) and one that just didnt have the best interest of the animal. He would have sold me his farm if he could have - he was trying to sell me ducks and rabbits and telling me how much I can get for my eggs at the market, and how people lie and buy cows from whereever people get cows and then pass them off as pasture fed etc.

I'll trust the 15 year old boy back yard breeder over that man on any day.  

Sounds like the first one was a real piece of work! At least you have a nice rescue story. Your hens must love you for saving them!

I find there are almost as many dishonest and uncaring breeders as their are caring and honest around here. I've seen breeders carry their geese around by their necks, and it breaks my heart. Why would he go on like that anyway? Did his father send him? Lol. I've seen it happen.

Ducks are probably twice if not more, work then chickens. I've never met anyone that wanted to buy their eggs yet :/

Barred rock roosters are usually know to be calm and docile, and friendly, so they are a good rooster to have.

Definitely! My boy is VERY sweet. I actually have four barred rock roosters right now. Only 2 are staying. Selling the other two.

Never trust a rooster before they are fully mature (1+ years). I often will chase them away from a mating attempt at a young age. If they mate in front of the alpha rooster, he will put them in their place, and I am the alpha rooster to the flock. Never EVER been attacked before. I have a lot of boys..

 

[chickenlover89]

yes, i hope so for you!!!!!


I think baby chicks can over-eat, but then they will have their crop go down after a little while just like your rooster did! Good luck with him, i hope he is a great rooster!

 

[aoxa]

I hope so! Had I known I was trading a boy for a boy - I would have kept the boy I had. He was very kewl - but I'm sure out of all the ones he had I could never pick him out again.

Oh, and the barred rocks crop when down - whew. Can baby chicks over eat?

No they can't, but they do fill their crops up really fast. To be safe, offer some grit, or gravel. This helps break down anything they eat besides chick starter. I've lost quite a few to crop impaction - mostly silkies.

You are not feeding them all the same food, right?

They should be on medicated chick starter until week 6 at least. I've weaned them off earlier, but that is only if I have them with broody hens.

 

[CluckyCluck]

The guys rooster down the street attacked my daughter so bad - she was just traumatized. He bit her all on the inside of her thighs. She was probably 15 at the time, she's 19 now - my main reason for NOT wanting a rooster.

That same rooster - who always attacked their company etc - they claimed wasn't theres. (I really like this neighbor btw) His son who is around 30 was mowing, and the rooster attacked him. He hit him with something and killed the rooster. He took it somewhere in the back and dumped it.

Lo and behold - my daughter found the rooster walking around when she was riding the 4 wheeler and I went and got it - not knowing it was the same rooster. I covered it in a towel - and brought it home. It had holes all over it's body, and in every hole there were maggots - hundreds. It was freeking AWFUL! I'm sure no one wants pictures, but I do have them somewhere.

After removing every maggot and digging my fingers in the holes to get them out ewwww! He was resliliant!!! Still alive the next day - but I couldn't take it anymore and my husband took him somewehre and did what he thought was best.

When I questioned my neighbor about the rooster - he said come to think of it, I haven't seen him. Later his son came to my house, asking about it being alive and he told me the lawnmower story.

But that's my rooster story - and therefore, you see my fear in having one.

 

[CluckyCluck]

I have starter food for the chicks, but I don't know that it's medicated? They chose it for me at the feed store that was near where I bought them.

The hens get layer crumbles and oyster shells in it.

Today they had scrambled eggs, mozz cheese, and cut up green beans with their lunch. The big ones, not the little ones.