I live with my son and daughter-in-law now, here in Colorado. We purchased our first chickens 5 months ago----we have 20 hens! The reason we purchased the chickens was for EGGS! We have no idea the breed! We purchased them from "Big R" in Elizabeth, CO and can't remember being told what breed we bought! I'm thinking ISA Brown because they're all "red"----both light red (cinnamon) and dark red, and they all have white tail feathers.
There is SO MUCH different info on raising chickens, on the internet, so it's all fairly overwhelming! Since I do the feeding and watering every day, I try to take a common sense approach at raising chickens, especially after dealing with an over-bearing dominant hen! This past month this dominant hen has been bullying the other hens excessively, and I couldn't figure out why. Then I realized that chickens, like humans, are creatures of habit----they don't like "change" very well. I was spending a lot of time out in the chicken yard and coop, and every time I'm out there she starts bullying the other hens. So I cut back on my visits! I only go out there in the morning and evening, now----and this dominant hen has calmed down! I think she possibly saw me as "competition" because I was always petting the other hens----even though she herself doesn't like to be pet or held! She did not seem to like me having the attention of the other hens.
I found "Backyard Chickens" while searching for chicken forums. I'm glad I found this site----I don't feel so alone in my chicken adventures, now!
There is SO MUCH different info on raising chickens, on the internet, so it's all fairly overwhelming! Since I do the feeding and watering every day, I try to take a common sense approach at raising chickens, especially after dealing with an over-bearing dominant hen! This past month this dominant hen has been bullying the other hens excessively, and I couldn't figure out why. Then I realized that chickens, like humans, are creatures of habit----they don't like "change" very well. I was spending a lot of time out in the chicken yard and coop, and every time I'm out there she starts bullying the other hens. So I cut back on my visits! I only go out there in the morning and evening, now----and this dominant hen has calmed down! I think she possibly saw me as "competition" because I was always petting the other hens----even though she herself doesn't like to be pet or held! She did not seem to like me having the attention of the other hens.
I found "Backyard Chickens" while searching for chicken forums. I'm glad I found this site----I don't feel so alone in my chicken adventures, now!
It seems that your over-bearing, dominant hen is actually a cockerel! It has long, pointy feathers around it's neck and in front of its tail and a bright red comb and wattles-only males have feathers like that. Also the way it acts around you is a giveaway. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do with him!
and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.
to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!
