Normal No Crow Collar Behavior?

[ChuChooks]

I made my own version of the No Crow Collar last night. Due to my novice sewing skills it's stiffer than I had hoped (thread tension issues with thinner fabric + Velcro). Anyway, this morning I got our little guy up early and dressed him in his new collar.

I'd read about the walking backwards and trying to take it off, so I wasn't surprised. He can breathe fine and has been finding treats in the compost pile with the ladies, but he keeps trying to take it off and, more than that, the lowest chickens in the pecking order have decided this is an excellent opportunity to improve their status. He doesn't seem too concerned with their challenges and, what concerns me, I've seen him back down a few times.

Should I be concerned or will it all work out? For those that use them, what were your observations when you first put the collar on?

 

[TheTwoRoos]

I do not use one,but I have heard of someone who had one of these,and it killed their roosters.


I also know,a rooster who cannot crow,is never a happy guy....

 

[Lelilamom]

Curious to see any responses. We decided to get a roo after a few years without one. Love the benefits, hate the crowing and don't know what to do about it.

 

[ChuChooks]

Well, his options are to wear it or be eaten, so I'm giving this a chance first. Anybody who has experience?

Update: I just talked to the breeder who uses them and she said it's normal for them to hang their heads in defeat. This, sadly, is a relief because it seemed he couldn't breathe. He kept dropping his head suddenly like a chick falling asleep, which had me worried. She told me I actually had it too loose (he started crowing after wearing it for a couple hours.) He's fine, just pouting at the moment. Still alert and whatnot. It's this or the stockpot, so hopefully this works out.

 

[Lelilamom]

Well, his options are to wear it or be eaten, so I'm giving this a chance first. Anybody who has experience?

Update: I just talked to the breeder who uses them and she said it's normal for them to hang their heads in defeat.

This, sadly, is a relief because it seemed he couldn't breathe. He kept dropping his head suddenly like a chick falling asleep, which had me worried. She told me I actually had it too loose (he started crowing after wearing it for a couple hours.) He's fine, just pouting at the moment. Still alert and whatnot. It's this or the stockpot, so hopefully this works out.

Awww poor guy. We only ate our last one after he started attacking us. We didn't like the crowing but dealt with it on account that he was such a good boy - that is until he started attacking us. Roos are funny sometimes. I hope yours is a gentleman, a quiet one.

 

[ChuChooks]

Yes. This one is a total gentleman. Our last one wasn't and he went to find his fate at the local feed store. I would have no problem with his crowing if it didn't mean potentially losing all our chickens. We live in town, so no roosters allowed.

The second half of the day he was mostly back to his normal self, albeit more subdued than usual. We'll see how the morning goes.

 

[exotichenhouse]

if the crow collar doesn't work...what do most people do with their unwanted roosters? Im trying everything with mine as he is so great but I can't have the crowing in the neighborhood. I have contacted rescues, shelters, classifieds but can't find someone to take him. Im hoping the collar will work but he hates it

 

[TheTwoRoos]

butcher him....

 

[gbartha]

if the crow collar doesn't work...what do most people do with their unwanted roosters? Im trying everything with mine as he is so great but I can't have the crowing in the neighborhood. I have contacted rescues, shelters, classifieds but can't find someone to take him. Im hoping the collar will work but he hates it

I just got rid of three. I got a name of someone from the tractor supply store who takes in unwanted roosters. I believe he sells them at auction. You could try that or find a livestock auction close by.

 

[RideRed93]

I am SO grateful for this post!
I just put on my crow collar this morning. I too have been looking EVERYWHERE for "normal behaviors" with the collars. I just saw the backing up and trying to peck at it as the only normal behavior and to watch for 30min. There is definitely more to it than those few traits. I was starting to worry too about his head hanging low, and he would also sit down for some time. So far he's doing okay.. I've heard so may horror stories with these so i'm crossing my fingers (for his sake)