new to keeping chickens - one angry rooster

[drumstick diva]

femmemechanics, you sound like a very conscientious chicken mama welcome to BYC. I think once she heals up, you won't have any problems with them. Too bad chickens aren't able to inflick the same injuries on their predators. Have you named them yet. Maybe she will be a good broody mama, you will end up with quite a flock.

 

[ChickenMack]

The pictures help. Um, I would wait for the wounds to heal before you let your roo mate her. Her wounds are around the area your rooster will use when he jumps on top of her and holds her. He will grab her by the feathers on the back of her neck and she will "scream" but all is good. It is not aggression, just lovin' The hen looks like a production Rhode Island Red. She should be a good layer once she recovers, but I wouldn't recommend eating her eggs until you have stopped the medicinal cream. I am not sure about the breed of your rooster, maybe a wellsummer? But his floppy comb needs attention. Some good nutrition and hydration should help, I am sure he didn't get much at the laundry mat. Maybe increase his portein- left over dairy products would be tasty. Maybe think about worming them- I would definately worm the rooster since his care has not been optimal.

Good luck.

 

[femmemechanics]

@ drumstick diva: thanks! and i haven't named her yet.. i'm going to name her one of the following: billie (after billie holiday), lady, or maggie (her previous name was magdalena.. but i don't like it).

@ chickenmack: thanks for all the info! i didn't know what breeds either of them were. so a floppy comb is a sign of bad nutrition? they were only at the laundrymat for a couple of minutes. my friends were doing laundry.. they left, came back.. and he was there with some pieces of bread thrown on the floor... that's when i went over and picked him up. i've had him for the past two months, his comb grew incredibly fast during that time.. he eats a lot of corn, scratch grains. i'll def. start supplementing his diet more if this is the case.

 

[ChickenMack]

Oh good, I am glad to know he wasn't dumped for a long period of time at the laundry.

He is molting, the white around his head are new feathers developing. If molting is the cause, his comb should perk up. But, fyi, droopy comb can indicate that a bird is dehydrated or sick, as well. A darkened, drooping comb usually indicates respiratory or heart problems (or dehydration), a normally red, but now whitish-pale comb can indicate parasitic infestation (roost mites, lice, etc), yellowish comb will show liver problems.

It may be none of these, but it is good information for your arsenal of chicken information.

I hope all turns out well for you. You are so great to take in rooster and hen, and they will show their appreciation by giving you eggs- the rooster will protect your hen who gives you eggs, and if she feels like it, she might even "give" you a few chicks.

 

[terrilhb]

from Ga. Sounds like you have got everything undercontrol. Good luck introducing them. Your chickens are gorgeous. And what an awesome person you are to bring home a injured hen. Good job.

 

[Lollipop]

Quote:
Gonna make a nice pair. The hen looks young, but probably close to a year. She looks healthy, except for her wounds, which look fairly minor, and she should heal quickly. Feathers that are pulled out, like hers, will begin to regrow almost immediately. Her color is good, but after she is almost healed, you probably should worm her, as recomended. She does look like a RIR and as such, may not be very apt to brood, but maybe.

He is a handsome fellow. Amix with some game blood and probably some oriental game also. A great mix that will be easy to handle, yet will be a fine man for your lady. When he finishes his molt, he will be beautiful. His color is good also, but worm him when you worm her. You have an excellent beginning flock and you did a really good thing. You`re gonna love it........Pop

 

[scratch'n'peck]

That sounds like a good plan. I think they will eventually make a fine couple; they are both very attractive.

 

[Rosaleen]

You may want to consider getting a few more hens to keep him occupied and he won't pick on her as much.

 

[SteveBaz]

Quote:
See now if you have enough idea a few good one surface!!! like this one.

 

[workinnanie]

I agree that this is just one horny roo!