My Rooster died protecting flock- now for a newRooster

[Navahogirl]

My beloved Plymouth rock rooster passed away yesterday aFox got him and he protected all 15 of my hens. Now for another My friend has 5 for me to choose from; 3 are 7 months old and 2 are 13 months old. My hens are a year old- which ages do I choose?

 

[MysteryChicken]

My beloved Plymouth rock rooster passed away yesterday aFox got him and he protected all 15 of my hens. Now for another My friend has 5 for me to choose from; 3 are 7 months old and 2 are 13 months old. My hens are a year old- which ages do I choose?

I'd go for the oldest. They maybe more well mannered, or you can get a younger one, so he can be bossed around by the older ladies.

 

[the_peanut_coop]

I would personally go to the friend's house and see which one is the most human-friendly/most docile. Often a calm rooster is the best choice for the flock. If I had to blindly choose, I would take the 13 month old.

 

[my gang eats grass]

The 13 month olds are probably more ready to take on a flock. The most important thing though is to pick a protective but gentle one, so if one of the seven month olds is more like that, choose that one.

 

[Mrs. K]

When you approach the roosters, you want to look for these things:

• A rooster should be the first to see you coming, moving calmly between you and the hens
• but he should naturally move away from you about 4-5 feet
• he should not fluff up, give you the evil eye or beginning crowing immediately
• Check his beak, and head shape - it needs to be symetrical and even
• Look at his feet - crooked toes can cause wear on feathers
• You should pick him up, and FEEL his bone structure and weight,
• then go for the eye candy

Or just pick the one you like the best, and cross your fingers. Truthfully, I tend to do this, but if you get your druthers... and have to choose between birds, well there is some criteria.

Mrs K

 

[gimmie birdies]

I have given away roosters before, and some times I give away the best one because I want to see it go to a good home. Just ask her which one she WANTS to keep, and ask for that one...

 

[the_peanut_coop]

I have given away roosters before, and some times I give away the best one because I want to see it go to a good home. Just ask her which one she WANTS to keep, and ask for that one...

That is actually a perfect strategy