Hi to all the likeminded people on BYC. I got interested in keeping chickens after I have learned how industrial chickens (both for meat and eggs) are kept. I couldn't get any chooks in my area (North Queensland, Australia), so I ordered fertile Heritage RIR eggs from a very reputable hatchery in Sydney. I ended up with 4 pullets and 2 cockerels, all beautiful, friendly, affectionate birds. Sadly I had to get rid of my cockerels as our Council do no allow the keeping of roosters, but I was aware of that fact, so I have arranged for rehoming before I order the eggs, but was (and still is) very sad to let them go. I also own 2 Silver Standard Poodles, both females, 7 years old and the most beautiful, loving dogs you can hope to find! I have learned so much on BYC, started to read this forum long before I ordered the fertile eggs, thank you for that. I am not sure if I am doing this post correctly, haven't done anything like this before
Hello and Welcome To BYC! Congratulations on the successful hatch! Sorry you had to rehome the cockerels, good luck with your pullets, hope those first eggs show up soon.
G'day, and welcome to BYC! Glad you decided to join our flock. Congratulations on a successful hatch. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Good luck in getting Christmas eggs.
Your doing just fine. BYC has a large aussie community, if you would like to know what others are up to check out "Australia, six states and one tiny little island." Welcome to Backyard chickens, so glad you joined the flock
Thank you everyone. There is actually something I was wondering about. Do chickens mourn the loss of their flockmates? Since the second cockerel is gone, it seems to me the hens are looking for him and calling him, especially when I give them treats. They start to eat, then they stop and run around the coop and runs, calling and looking, even going into the coop where they roost, calling, listening and looking. After awhile they come back to eat, but are not as happy as the used to be, not chatting happily away while enjoying their treat. Also in the mornings when they come down from their roosting place, they keep going back, calling and looking as well as at night when they want to roost. They sort of waiting for him, putting off to go into the coop. Eventually they go into the coop, but at least an hour later than they used to. Did I make a mistake to get rid of the cockerel? Will they settle in time and be happy again? They were such a happy bunch!