new boy from illinois

[captain charlie]

I am 63, retired Army Captain, married with 5 grown children and 11 grandchildren (we know about). We live on 1.25 acres 2 miles from anywhere. Perfect place to raise some chickens. We got 4 Brahma chicks for mothers day and the monsters are now as big as most chickens I see running about on other folks' farms. We got a large 6 hen henhouse from Rural King (where the pullets were ordered) and found after 9 weeks we needed more space. We found a large dog wire cage and wired it up to add another room on this coup. Perfect! We have gone through 2 50 lb bags of starter feed and these chicks act still like they are starved. They are a loving set of birds and we take they one at a time into our house and let them run around a little. Watch out where the poop....they do get a little excited, but get along well with our Rat Terrier. Stroke their feathers, talk to them, and hold them close to your bodies. We think one of our pullets may be a Rooster, oops...So we will get rid of him within the next 6-8 weeks as we only want pure eggs, no chicks. hope to watch this site to get guidance and help to raise these monsters up right. Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.

 

[TOP KNOT]

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, Captain Charlie, and

! Pleased you joined us! I salute your military service! Lots of folks keep a flock rooster on the farm - you won't have chicks unless you allow the hens to incubate the eggs - and there is no taste difference between fertilized and unfertilized eggs. Additionally, a good rooster maintains the pecking order - cutting down on the squabbling among the hens. Some also say a good rooster is a good first line of defense against predators. To each his own. Good luck to you!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!

 

[drumstick diva]

thank you for your years in service

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[ChirpyChicks1]

Welcome!

 

[gryeyes]

Welcome to BYC from California wine country in the Western Sierra Foothills!

Let me echo what redsoxs said: no difference in taste or nutrition between unfertilized and fertile eggs, gathering eggs prevents chicks, a rooster is good for the flock. Make that a "good rooster is good for the flock.". There are not-so-great roosters, but there are plenty of good ones. Just understand rooster behavior and work with it to ensure he is respectful of people.

I wouldn't want a flock without a rooster (or two; one as a back up and "second lieutenant" to the dominant rooster).

It makes me laugh when my flock gathers excitedly around me when I TOP OFF feeders. As if the new, same feed is better than the "old" same feed topped off in the morning.

I hand-feed BOSS (Black Oil Sunflower Seed) every afternoon, scattering some on the ground at my feet to take care of the shyer birds. It's always wonderful when one of those timid birds finally takes seed from my palm.