New Roo or Into the Stew pot? Need Opinions!

[CMV]

Well, well, well...An interesting turn of events has happened since this morning. The neighbors have decided that they are so discouraged with the constant predation issues, the ill-tempered young roo, and the "more work than anticipated" chickens, that they are getting rid of the whole flock. They asked me to take their flock- 8 laying hens all under 2 years old, and one surly, young roo. There are at least two known broodies in that flock, whereas I do not have a good broody since mine got snatched by a coyote. I am taking them all, but the roo is being processed tomorrow morning. I will raise up my replacement roo within the flock. I only have 2 birds (and 2 from the new flock) that are blood relatives, so I will make sure their eggs are not chosen for the new stock. It should be easy to accomplish since all the EEs are related (green and olive eggs), but all the other birds are not (brown and white eggs).

The neighbors also had more to say about this young roo, and why they are so frustrated with him- he has been attacking the girls in his flock. I keep telling them that his behavior is because he is young, but today he nearly killed his little sister. He pecked her so badly that they are afraid she isn't going to survive. He ripped her to shreds. He has also been hoarding resources and won't let some of the girls eat. Even I have to admit that this is not a good behavior pattern for a roo to be showing towards his girls. I have decided that he probably would not be a good fit for my flock in light of his aggressive tendencies. I would rather the next generation roo be a known quantity, anyways. I think it would be best to raise one up from scratch. That way I can choose my future flock husband from a wider pool of candidates. Having two broodies should make that a lot easier.

But, what the heck do I do with the silkie I am about to own?!?! I have never owned a fancy breed before. Yikes.

 

[donrae]

Quite the bonus--getting broodies!

I agree, that young guy needs to go. I can totally understand just being young and hormonal, but he sounds way over the line. Now, you'll have your pick of several!

Just an fyi, I've had a closed flock and bred daughters back to father in the last few years with no problems. Line breeding isn't necessarily a scary thing, if your stock you start with is healthy. Most folks do it successfully for a good few generations without having problems.

 

[CMV]

Quite the bonus--getting broodies!

I agree, that young guy needs to go. I can totally understand just being young and hormonal, but he sounds way over the line. Now, you'll have your pick of several!

Just an fyi, I've had a closed flock and bred daughters back to father in the last few years with no problems. Line breeding isn't necessarily a scary thing, if your stock you start with is healthy. Most folks do it successfully for a good few generations without having problems.

I know, huh!? Broodies are like the gift that keeps on giving.

I was willing to try him out, but after hearing about his exploits...I don't have time for that stuff. I am way too busy for that.

Thanks for the heads up about the line breeding.

 

[5 Acre Rooster]

1st rule I made, even w/o wifes consent is a bad roo is a dead roo. I have 3 small children, 2,3 7 and they have free rein outside when an adult is able to be out with them, or their teenage siblings. My daughter (2) sits and playing in the dirt and the birds come investigate and dust bath within a foot of her and never have issues. Last year we had 2 Aust Roos that 1 day decided that WWIII was here and went at it for 2 days. I was hoping to wait it out but came home to 2 bloody birds fighting. I broke them up and waited 2 minutes to see who came looking for a fight. And we had chicken for dinner. Since then no issues with all the roos we have, which is about 7 right now.