So, I have about 40 hens... and 4 roos. One roo was an 'accident' and he is a little silver leghorn. He is very nice, but much smaller than the other roos (a BR EE and a Wyandotte mix). So, he doesn't get any hens. He just hangs out behind the house.. usually by himself. He's not allowed to hang with the cool kids. I feel bad for him! He is getting plenty to eat.. and he roosts in the same coop. We don't have many rooster fights because everyone knows Juicy Fat Head (the WY mix) is king. So roos just 'steal' moments with the hens when Juicy's not around. I have some smaller hens you'd think he'd hang with, leghorns, hamburgs... but nope.
So, I have more chicks hatching (and dear me.. more roos I'm sure..) and I was thinking... what if I locked him in with the pullets when they were old enough. We have a couple big chicken yards for the winter when they can't free range (10 ft snow).. So, he knew and they knew the hens were "his."
Would this work? Or, once incorporated into the flock.. would my other roos steal Lil Man's hens? Would Lil Man be so attached at this point he'd fight tooth and nail and get himself killed?
Well... in the interest of a lonely bird... I would love ideas!
So, I have more chicks hatching (and dear me.. more roos I'm sure..) and I was thinking... what if I locked him in with the pullets when they were old enough. We have a couple big chicken yards for the winter when they can't free range (10 ft snow).. So, he knew and they knew the hens were "his."
Would this work? Or, once incorporated into the flock.. would my other roos steal Lil Man's hens? Would Lil Man be so attached at this point he'd fight tooth and nail and get himself killed?
Well... in the interest of a lonely bird... I would love ideas!
