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backyardmomma3

backyardmomma3

In the Brooder
Aug 15, 2017
26
24
29
Southern Ontario
Earlier today I picked up a buff Orpington Hen,and 3 pullets(technically theres 5 chicks,but 2 are cockerals,and all 5 were supposed to be pullets,but I didn't realize until I took them out) to add to my flock..
when I was removing them from my chicken crate carrier and into the separated area of the coop,I noticed that one of the Hens toes(claws) looks broken,its not severed,nor bleeding,and ive checked to see if there was any swelling and I don't see any,however the tip of the claw(not the nail itself) is bent(broken looking),perhaps dislocated? Idk what to do,shes walking fine,shes going on the perch in the enclosure,and can jump down without seeming to be in discomfort,im just wondering what I should if I should do anything...
Second what do I do,about the 2 cockerals in the mix?As mentioned above it was supposed to be a Hen and 5 pullets but the farmers wife I guess maybe doesn't know the difference,there 9 weeks,and right now are separated from the rest of my flock,however I already have 12-13 week old cockerel,and from what ive come to learn having more than 1 "Rooster" can be ALOT of trouble..,Ive contacted the farmer to ask if I could possibly bring the 2 9 week old cockerals back and exchange them for 2 more 9week old pullets(after all it is what I thought and agreed upon buying)but I still haven't heard back by both email or phone...Is it possible to keep more than one male around?or will it cause a lot of fighting?
 
Welcome to Backyardchickens.com aka BYC! :frow
We are so glad you joined our flock.

Jump right in and make yourself at home.
Can you post a pic of the toe?
If you house two mails together you will end up with problems.


This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:
 
KikisGirls said:
Welcome to Backyardchickens.com aka BYC! :frow
We are so glad you joined our flock.

Jump right in and make yourself at home.
Can you post a pic of the toe?
If you house two mails together you will end up with problems.


This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:
Click to expand...
I thought so about keeping more than one male together in the same coop...Hopefully the farmer will call back and allow me to exchange them for 2 pullets,if not ill have to keep them separate until I sell them,or find them a home..
And yes I will try to get a pic of her toe!
 
Sometimes you can have more than one rooster in a coop, especially if they've been raised together. It all depends on their personalities. However, if you only have a few hens it's better to just have one rooster to prevent feather damage in the females and also because of cost of feed.
 
JedJackson said:
Sometimes you can have more than one rooster in a coop, especially if they've been raised together. It all depends on their personalities. However, if you only have a few hens it's better to just have one rooster to prevent feather damage in the females and also because of cost of feed.
Click to expand...
I have 11 females altogether( 1 Hen and 10 pullets ),3 of the pullets are from the same hatch as the 2 young cockerals,but my older Cockeral(aprox.13 weeks old) was not..Ive posted an add on a local site to try and sell the 2 cockerals and hopefully I get a response,id hate to have issues or have any of my flock unhappy..
 
JedJackson said:
1 rooster should be enough for 11 hens so it's probably best to find new homes for the other 2.
Click to expand...
I agree...My son is a bit upset because he wants to keep them,but I personally think 3 males in total is WAY too much..If we had a bigger flock then fine but we don't have enough females to keep all 3 males happy,and I'm not getting anymore either..lol
The purpose of getting my cockerel was to breed a heritage chicken,and to not have to buy chicks from a hatchery,and the overall reason for having a backyard farm was to get away from over crowded,unhappy,unhealthy mass production farms...Making sure my flock is happy and healthy is my top and only priority,and if having 2 other males is going to change this,then they need to go..
 
Hi and welcome to BYC :welcome You're on the right path... 1:10 is the typical ratio to avoid over working the ladies. So you're resisting chicken math??? We all fall victim to it eventually... BTW, I love your avatar! And I'm a big fan of heritage breeds. Again, welcome aboard:thumbsup
 
If you picked them up today I would be going back tomorrow to the place where you got them from and exchanging them. Don't call again just go, specially since they are not answering your calls. Sounds like they were hoping you didn't know the difference. I would also take the one with the toe issues along and exchange it out. Your paying for good pellets so get what your paying for. Specially if they were not given to you but you bought them. Just don't wait for a few days. Do it right away. Be nice but tell them you want what you purchased and agreed on. If they say no tell them to refund your money for the cockerels. Then don't purchase from them again.
 

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