This is Liberace:
He is a darling Silkie mix rooster. I am not sure how old he is, I've had him since March 24, and he was mostly feathered then. He's been crowing for a good 3 weeks and looks like he has recently grown saddle feathers. He is SOOO sweet and gentle. When I first bought my 10 chicks (most younger than him), he would let the little ones hide under his wings. The other chickens are outgrowing him so I think he will stay pretty small.
I posted earlier about whether I should let him free-range when my little flock gets full grown (right now they are in a coop and run). We have 10 acres, 9 of which is fenced for our llamas and goats. I got the chickens for "bug control" and eggs (eventually) from a mixed flock. I have since decided it would be too risky for Liberace to free range because he can't see too good with all the feathers (I did give him a bit of a "haircut) and he is brilliant white, easy pickings for a hawk. So I am going to try to build a chicken tractor for him, and maybe put one of the pullets with him, as I think she is also going to be bantum-size.
I am planning to convert a garden cart (about 3 x 5', will enlarge to 3 x 6' plus some extensions) to a coop and make a portable run. Should I give Liberace more "wives"? Would he do okay with just one hen? I don't want her to get picked on. I've never had chickens before, all I know is what I've read on this forum. If he needs more "wives" how many banties would do okay in a coop that size, and what breeds would be mellow and happy with life in a tractor? I've been looking at the Brahma bantums.
Thanks!!!
Melissa
He is a darling Silkie mix rooster. I am not sure how old he is, I've had him since March 24, and he was mostly feathered then. He's been crowing for a good 3 weeks and looks like he has recently grown saddle feathers. He is SOOO sweet and gentle. When I first bought my 10 chicks (most younger than him), he would let the little ones hide under his wings. The other chickens are outgrowing him so I think he will stay pretty small.
I posted earlier about whether I should let him free-range when my little flock gets full grown (right now they are in a coop and run). We have 10 acres, 9 of which is fenced for our llamas and goats. I got the chickens for "bug control" and eggs (eventually) from a mixed flock. I have since decided it would be too risky for Liberace to free range because he can't see too good with all the feathers (I did give him a bit of a "haircut) and he is brilliant white, easy pickings for a hawk. So I am going to try to build a chicken tractor for him, and maybe put one of the pullets with him, as I think she is also going to be bantum-size.
I am planning to convert a garden cart (about 3 x 5', will enlarge to 3 x 6' plus some extensions) to a coop and make a portable run. Should I give Liberace more "wives"? Would he do okay with just one hen? I don't want her to get picked on. I've never had chickens before, all I know is what I've read on this forum. If he needs more "wives" how many banties would do okay in a coop that size, and what breeds would be mellow and happy with life in a tractor? I've been looking at the Brahma bantums.
Thanks!!!
Melissa
