Now that we're "rooster-less"...

[akcskye]

When would be a good time to purchase a new Roo?

I *think* that all the hatches we have have hatched...there are still 6 eggs in the nest, I'm giving them 'til next Friday to hatch (WAY longer than they should)...JUST in case.

However, our hatch turned up nothing but hens, which is GREAT...and we're going to go ahead and keep the girls we decided rather than sell or give away...we want another Roo for flock protection like Billy provided last week.

I saw a RIR at the feed store...already Billy's size. Even looked like Billy in the face...however, when I would run my finger in front of him, he'd "challenge" me...and stare the finger out...and then peck, hard at it, so I figure he'd be too aggressive and possibly flog, so we opted to not get him and pen him seperately, as was our plan until we found out how quickly an older roo could be put in with the ladies and chicks.

Thanks.

 

[chrissieg]

Just a word of caution

Are people going to get rid of their sweetest, kindest roo? I don't think so!! It'll be the one that causes problems...........

 

[okiechick57]

Just keep looking ......I recieved a bunch of chickens and 2 roo's from someone.........both roo's were the sweetest guys.but they didnt like eachother......so I advertised one of them and had to convince the people who ended up taking him that he WAS really nice.... hated to give up a nice roo.....I have had my share of mean ole ones...........great on your hatching hens...my hens lay but wont go broody.....gonna try and make them soon......

 

[Hotwings]

About this time or pretty soon alot of the early spring chicks will probably be old enough to tell what they are. Some people just have one to many cockerels, so you might be able to get one. Alot of people are to planning on getting rid of the year old roos that might be getting aggressive, so be aware. Denise just sold her year old Barred Rock roo awhile back, he was getting to be a handful for her. I have noticed without Jack the hens and pullets are not free ranging as far, they prefer to stay in the barn most of the time and no one is really togethter. I mean they are kinda scattered. Lucky the alpha barred rock hen as taken over top dog position, butt she is kinda recooperating from a dog attack. Denise will probably have a roo soon for her flock as she is pretty positive that her 8 week chick by Buffy is a cockerel and she is really fond of him, she is handling him alot. I don't know if you want a young cockerel or not. Finding an adult roo might be hard if you want a nice one but not impossible.

 

[lurky]

Where are you located?