Hi All,my name is Jack and I am 67 years old. I live in North Florida and I have had my Rhode Island Reds for 2 years now. They are very spoiled and they follow me when I free range them. I just got 2 more hens and a rooster today. He is a handsome fellow but he is kind of aggressive to my Rhode Island Reds. I have a total of 6 hens and one rooster. I enjoy my chickens a lot. When I open my front door my girls come running to the fence to see me. I have the rooster in confinement right now until I slowly introduce him to the hens. I am not sure if I am doing the right thing so I would be glad to hear comments from all. I think this is the amount I am going to stay with until I see how things go. I keep the hens in a pen that is covered with deer netting to keep the hawks from getting them. I am going to build a chicken coop before winter comes, I will be looking at plans from this site.
Hi Jack and welcome to BYC. Do you know how old your cock bird is? Some are a tad over-amorous when they are in their "teenage years". Others, on the other hand are nutcases, regardless of age. Here's a link to the coop section - https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/ You may wish to consider joining your state thread as it will put you in touch with other BYC members in your area - http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread#post_3239224 All the best Pork Pie
G’Day from down under Jack Welcome! Sorry, I have no experience with roosters as we are not allowed to have them. However, Adding a Rooster to the Flock just happens to be the current ‘Topic of the Week’ and can be found here https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/topic-of-the-week-adding-a-rooster-to-the-flock.1203482/ Personally, I have found the Topic of the Week articles a great resource and a one stop shop for questions which may have already been discussed within the BYC membership group. I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun. If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out
Hi Jack, isn't that just the best when they come running because they hear or see you. My flock is only 6 months old and I don't have a rooster so I can't help you. I just joined the site yesterday and wanted to say "Hi". I wish you the best!
I want to thank all who replied. This seems like I am really going to enjoy this site. I have a lot to learn and this is the place that will help me. Thank you! Jack
Hi Jack, it's nice to have you here with us! We used to live in north FL until last year (we moved to WY). Be sure to check out the FL state thread...there are a lot of active members there that can be very helpful with tips about dealing with the weather, swaps, etc. Here's a link to get you there: Florida Best of luck!
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