New Eggs for the New Year

[Geira]

So the little flock of four golden ladies, GLW hens and their velvet dragon king-Sir Fallon of the Blue Ridge, a BA, have graced their human vassal with pullet eggs for the New Year. In the last week, these 21-22 week old hens, have given me a total of ten eggs. I'm thinking that is rather generous for being this young and in January. They are all perfect little pullet eggs. I was told not to expect any eggs until February or even March so I was a little surprised. I was also told that the rooster with only four hens would be trouble, that he would harass them and mating would be dramatic. The reality is that he tidbits and lets them eat whatever he finds, asks before mating waiting for them to pancake down for him, there's never any squawking and if the ladies aren't in the mood, they wave off and he leaves them be which I think is gentlemanly for a 22 week old rooster going through rooburty. Here's hoping that my luck continues to hold out. Maybe it's just beginner's luck as I have never had chickens before, but so far so good.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Excellent. You never know when they will start laying but what you describe is closer to the norm as far as behaviors than the disasters many people would have you believe is inevitable. Things can and sometimes do go bad, you just do not get guarantees with any living animals. I'm glad they are going well for you.

 

[Geira]

My husband wanted me to get rid of the roosters (I ended up with two from the hatchery). I rehomed one and have been told that he is the sweetest rooster. This one waved off a hawk at 16 weeks so he solidified his place with that and good manners. I’ve been told I hit the rooster lottery with this one. Here’s a picture of the velvet dragon.

 

[Mrs. K]

Once in a while you get a flock master. The only problem is it rather ruins your tolerance for a less than perfect rooster.

Do know, that todays behavior does not indicate next weeks...always beware that he is an intact male. Be extra vigilant around children, but generally speaking, I think you might have gotten a gem.

The longer I am in chickens, the more I think it is truly the luck of the draw!

Mrs K

 

[Geira]

I hope you are right about having a gem. He has been extremely consistent in his behavior, so I have less concern that he will become a bad rooster but he is an animal. There is no telling but so far he has been really good. If I've landed in the almost perfect flock by accident I'll take it but I see your point about a low tolerance level for less than this in the future. I guess I'll just have to enjoy it while it have it.