Jivenmama
In the Brooder
- Apr 22, 2021
- 1
- 14
- 34
Greetings All!
I've wanted to raise chickens as long as I can remember. No one ever told me my Goldie didn't. So a few years ago the inevitable happened when I put up what I thought was a safe pen. Nope. But! This time around I am much wiser and put up a 10x20 ft totally enclosed, well-built pen around a well-built coop. I know they are not completely free-range, but they are safe. That sweet goldie passed a while ago, but I still have another and a terrier, and hawks circling the skies constantly. Whew, they are set. The six Marans came last April, a day after they were hatched. One was a bit frail, and I took extra care with it. They all grew well and were happily working their way to mature when I noticed the feeble one wasn't growing a wattle or comb like the others. The other five had bright red adornments by this time, so worried about iron deficiency, I took it to the vet. My wonder came when I learned its pronouns would be they/them; it was neither a hen nor a rooster. Interesting. No worries there, I didn't need that many eggs. But, one day I noticed that beneath its wild eyes, there lurked a teaser. It began pecking at the other hens until they went bananas! I'm talking go for the throat maniacs to kill it! So, separation, isolation, gave it away. Now I have five healthy, laying Marans and everyone seems happy. They would love to explore the yard, and maybe someday.
Happy to be part of this forum,
Karen
I've wanted to raise chickens as long as I can remember. No one ever told me my Goldie didn't. So a few years ago the inevitable happened when I put up what I thought was a safe pen. Nope. But! This time around I am much wiser and put up a 10x20 ft totally enclosed, well-built pen around a well-built coop. I know they are not completely free-range, but they are safe. That sweet goldie passed a while ago, but I still have another and a terrier, and hawks circling the skies constantly. Whew, they are set. The six Marans came last April, a day after they were hatched. One was a bit frail, and I took extra care with it. They all grew well and were happily working their way to mature when I noticed the feeble one wasn't growing a wattle or comb like the others. The other five had bright red adornments by this time, so worried about iron deficiency, I took it to the vet. My wonder came when I learned its pronouns would be they/them; it was neither a hen nor a rooster. Interesting. No worries there, I didn't need that many eggs. But, one day I noticed that beneath its wild eyes, there lurked a teaser. It began pecking at the other hens until they went bananas! I'm talking go for the throat maniacs to kill it! So, separation, isolation, gave it away. Now I have five healthy, laying Marans and everyone seems happy. They would love to explore the yard, and maybe someday.
Happy to be part of this forum,
Karen
Hello Karen and welcome to BYC, You found an Amazing Poultry Community to be a part of with many great knowledgeable members, who are more then willing to jump in and help you along your journey with any questions you may have. 
