One Chicken Keeps her Tail Held High

[ejtalbert]

The hens wont necessarily become broody just because there is a rooster around..our hens have had a rooster around their while lifes, but we only have one or 2 (our silkies) that become broody. So I wouldn't worry to much. And on the bright side, if you decide you would like to hatch chicks from your own flock you can!

Great! Thank you so much!

 

[Egg Snatcher]

You could neuter him. His harmorns will settle down. They will be like a hen, he will not crow, and can't fertiliz eggs.

 

[ejtalbert]

You could neuter him. His harmorns will settle down. They will be like a hen, he will not crow, and can't fertiliz eggs.

Oh, good. Thank you for sharing that option with me!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Oh, good. Thank you for sharing that option with me!

"Neutering" (caponizing) is pretty tough to do, very few vets are willing or capable of doing it, so most people who know how to caponize do it at home. It's surgery, their testicles are inside the body up behind the ribs. So not really an option for most folks...

 

[Laura516]

This is a little off topic but could you share how your starlight grew. I have one thay I think may be a rooster but I can't find much on pullet vs cockerel development.

 

[ejtalbert]

This is a little off topic but could you share how your starlight grew. I have one thay I think may be a rooster but I can't find much on pullet vs cockerel development.

Of course! They aren't a common breed, I don't even think they are an "official" breed. Here's some photos. She is 15 weeks old today.

 

[ejtalbert]

This is a little off topic but could you share how your starlight grew. I have one thay I think may be a rooster but I can't find much on pullet vs cockerel development.

Her waddle became prominent around 11-12 weeks old.

 

[Kabootar]

You could neuter him. His harmorns will settle down. They will be like a hen, he will not crow, and can't fertiliz eggs.

What's the point of keeping a neuter rooster? Will he guard his flock like an intact rooster? Will he call his hens when he will find a grub?

 

[Eggscaping]

Awesome! Thank you so much. Yes, he is a good roo. Loves to run up close to use and peck at our feet.

Is it crowing at all?

 

[Kabootar]

"Neutering" (caponizing) is pretty tough to do, very few vets are willing or capable of doing it, so most people who know how to caponize do it at home. It's surgery, their testicles are inside the body up behind the ribs. So not really an option for most folks...

Well it never hurts to learn. Afterall "rehoming" a rooster is also difficult and so is managing a mob of rambunctious cockerels rampaging in your backyard. They also keep people from hatching their own farm eggs.