Shadrach's Ex Battery and Rescued chickens thread.

[BDutch]

And @Perris you too. When did this happen?. I can remember Phoenix was sick, but not that he didn’t make it.

 

[Perris]

And @Perris you too. When did this happen?. I can remember Phoenix was sick, but not that he didn’t make it.

It was back in September; I didn't mention it before.

 

[ManueB]

It was back in September; I didn't mention it before.

I was afraid something was wrong when you were off the thread for a week but I didn't think of Phoenix.
I remember the photo you had of him in the crowing rooster contest, graceful like a dancer.

Although roosters don't have the laying problems that the hens do, in many ways they seem more at risk - in regards to predators, how nutrition affects them, and then maybe also genetics because they would be so much fewer than the hens.
You hear on BYC of older hens making it beyond 10 years but I haven't yet read of a rooster reaching that age.

 

[BDutch]

I was afraid something was wrong when you were off the thread for a week but I didn't think of Phoenix.
I remember the photo you had of him in the crowing rooster contest, graceful like a dancer.

@Perris , was Phoenix the reason you were offline? Sounds a bit strange to me, bc I probably would share this for a litte sympathy from people who understand such a loss.

Although roosters don't have the laying problems that the hens do, in many ways they seem more at risk - in regards to predators, how nutrition affects them, and then maybe also genetics because they would be so much fewer than the hens.
You hear on BYC of older hens making it beyond 10 years but I haven't yet read of a rooster reaching that age.

Nice item for a poll. @BYC Project Manager what do you think ?
How old was the oldest rooster you ever had ?

• - my oldest rooster was no more than 5 years old
• - my oldest rooster was between 5 and 8 years old
• - my oldest rooster was between 8 and 10 years old (and please tell us how old)
• - my oldest rooster was more than 10 years old (and please tell us how old)
• - I always cull, sell or give away my cockerels because I can’t keep roosters.

 

[BDutch]

@Shadrach , I missed you last night. I hope you just had a evening off(line). Otherwise, is everything okay?

 

[Perris]

@Shadrach , I missed you last night. I hope you just had a evening off(line). Otherwise, is everything okay?

I hope he didn't do himself a mischief trying to move the coop on his own

 

[Perris]

You hear on BYC of older hens making it beyond 10 years but I haven't yet read of a rooster reaching that age.

Shad will surely have useful info to input here, from his own past flocks and those he knew in Catalonia.
My oldest, Sven, hatched in autumn 2017, so he's coming up to his 5th birthday.

Although roosters don't have the laying problems that the hens do, in many ways they seem more at risk - in regards to predators, how nutrition affects them, and then maybe also genetics because they would be so much fewer than the hens.

That is what I've found. Fewer make it to adulthood because of a tendency to wander further from the broody from about 5 weeks, which makes them easier prey for hawks and other predators. And I think the stress of puberty can take a real toll, especially if the older hens are a bit brutal when educating him in the niceties of mating rituals. At that time he also is last to be allowed to eat, with dominant roos, broodies, and mature hens all driving him off till they're done (but that does make them good foragers). They can get through it as Llyn shows; he knows his place and doesn't challenge Chirk or Sven, or try to mate the hens; I think he's just waiting in the wings for his moment to shine. And all this year's youngsters are still with us, including all 3 cockerels (and 9 pullets; lucky ratio this year!); the oldest, Amadeo, is 18 weeks now, so right in the most difficult time. Hopefully he'll make it. And I'm pretty sure Killay is Phoenix's by Maria.

 

[Perris]

was Phoenix the reason you were offline?

in part. I also went away for a few days. Kew gardens did a good job of refreshing my soul.

 

[Ladies-Eight]

Ex Batts good morning one and all!

79 sunny 54% humidity feels like 77 rain 0%.

Have a great day!

 

[BDutch]

in part. I also went away for a few days. Kew gardens did a good job of refreshing my soul.

Royal!

I went to an exhibition today. It’s called Floriade with gardens and sustainable building with builds from mushrooms and other organic materials. Greenhouses and some strange exhibitions.

This demo house is called Exploded view beyond building. Must be easy to find on the internet. Very interesting.