OHio ~ Come on Buckeyes, let me know your out there!

[dwhitern11]

He is trying to mate but just hasn't figured it out yet...hormones are increasing and he knows he is suppose to do something but just doesn't have the experience or size yet to complete the task properly is all.

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

He is trying to mate but just hasn't figured it out yet...hormones are increasing and he knows he is suppose to do something but just doesn't have the experience or size yet to complete the task properly is all.

Was this for me?

 

[dwhitern11]

I certainly wouldn't block ventilation as you will increase your risk of respiratory infections. As long as it is not wet with direct drafts right onto them they should be ok. Insulation to the walls to keep drafts down would be ok, but you need your roof ventilation as a minimum.

 

[dwhitern11]

Yes, I was replying to an earlier post about your roo grabbing the girls combs. You also asked about more girls? Having too many roosters and not enough hens apiece (12-15) will cause them to be overbred and potential for injuries.

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

Yes, I was replying to an earlier post about your roo grabbing the girls combs. You also asked about more girls? Having too many roosters and not enough hens apiece (12-15) will cause them to be overbred and potential for injuries.

He seems to do it most to my girls who are just about to lay eggs. I thought that it could be the case. He's wanting to mate but when they refuse he's frustrated. I'm hoping once they start to lay he will calm down. I'd gladly rehome him to someone who would at least try and see if he behaves himself in their group before making him dinner. I don't plan on eating anyone in my flock and I'd hate to condemn him to that fate if it really isn't necessary. Thanks

 

[dwhitern11]

He should calm down a bit as he gets older. Sounds as if he is trying to assert his place in the pecking order as well. However, that being said, you may have to re-home him if you are not willing to cull yourself. My experience though has been that it is very difficult to find someone to take a rooster or older hen to keep them from that fate. Good luck.

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

He is a handsome mixed breed boy. 6 1/2 months old. I think he is already rather large but not knowing his parentage it's hard to say if he'll get bigger. If someone would like him for their girls please let me know. Although currently sexually frustrated he's been a great boy. He has never been aggressive with me, my dbf or my dogs. He has done the normal pecking order pecking and he has taken his own pecking in stride. If he has to go the way of freezer camp due to behavior I understand but I'd much prefer he be given the chance to mend his ways.

 

[mamatink7]

I certainly wouldn't block ventilation as you will increase your risk of respiratory infections. As long as it is not wet with direct drafts right onto them they should be ok. Insulation to the walls to keep drafts down would be ok, but you need your roof ventilation as a minimum.

ahh I gotcha I didn't realize. I know I need ventilation still just wasn't sure how much. We have 3 large windows (deck side, run side & house/ coop door side) and 2 vent screens (on the top part of coop by the roof). What should we cover up? We also have an area UNDER the coop they use for dust baths & hiding from us to get them in. I was thinking about put straw bales under there as insulation perhaps.

 

[mamatink7]

They are 6 months old. I'll attach a pic of each but these were taken about 2 months ago.

awww I love these guys!! If I didn't already have a roo (a black copper marans 20wks old), I'd definitely take the EE as we have 3 EE pullets. I'd love to keep talking more to you as we live so close though

 

[dwhitern11]

Absolutely. If you hear of anyone wanting either let me know. How far from Utica do you live? We live just outside towards Martinsburg.