Really Ugly Roo or pathetic lil Hen??

[turtlebird]

Quote:
Good point. Sometime the dom. roo chases the younger away from the feeder also. Perhaps provide another feeding station if you haven't already.
Is he molting? Could he be getting his feathers pulled out by more dominant hens? Nonetheless, he is lovely

 

[RedReiner]

You guys are way to nice, Piggy is the only Roo I have, the black Rooster belongs to a friend, I just put his pic up for comparison. Piggy rules all here but not the way a rooster would I guess. I have 5 other pullets/hens and he could care less about them. unless of course they are in the way of his food lol. I appreciate the replies, I kind of knew he was a he...but really didnt want him to be. I only have hens right now cause I just want eggs, no roosters until spring or later. And it is odd to me, but piggy has been moulting for 2 months and I kind of thought moulting at 6 or 7 months was not the norm?

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

Piggy *snorty giggle* I love that name.


Genetics - that is the reason for the size differences and growth. The other thing, unless you personally know who you got him from - his start in life could be slowing him down a bit. Can even be as simple as the protein in his feed - higher is better for these birds and the first 3 weeks - protein is very important.


Orps are very slow to mature - their carcass grows first and then more muscle is built - this can take up to 18 months before your cockerel will be done growing into his TRUE self.


Molting - totally normal. My boy Adam - who is a splash is now 10 months old, he is finally getting his tail and just NOW showing any interest in "girls" (much to his Dad Versace's dismay). Piggy's interest in hen girlys should start to peak at the time (spring/summer) you are thinking about a roo.

 

[pdsavage]

You can still have eggs with a rooster.
I have roosters and eat the eggs all the time,unless im saving them to hatch.

 

[pkw]

He is such a pretty boy. I hope you keep him.

 

[terrilhb]

I think it is beautiful.

 

[4 Love of Baby Chickens]

Gorgeous Blue Orp cockeral. I think I am starting to drown in my drool.

 

[RedReiner]

I am doing my best to find him a pet home. doesnt really deserve to be soup. He is pretty small, and skinny, I have wormed him and treated for mites and he still doesnt pick up. at his age he should be much bigger than he is, I have a picture I took about 2 weeks ago before his feathers really started coming back in. I thought he was a skinny pullet for the longest time as he didnt have any feathers!! lol. My goal is exhibition type Orps, and piggy is anything but type lol. oh and he is named piggy cause he is a pig!! he eats a ton! fly right up to my chest if I am holding a piece of bread...heaven forbid he not get the majority of that!!
Anyway I do not want a rooster until I find the right rooster, if I am going to listen to crowing, it better be worth it!

piggy two weeks ago, the grey thing on the left behind him is a 12 inch auger...you can get some idea of his size

 

[IamTheChickenWhisperer]

I think HE is a pretty young boy!

! Not ugly at all!!!!!