The Evolution of Atlas: A Breeding (and Chat) Thread

[Leahs Mom]

Right now there are 2 dom boys but one will be processed this week. Of course, being raised together from chicks, there is no issue with these 2.

Too bad there wasn't one male with the orps that would have been raised together at the same time.

 

[speckledhen]

Hi, Sue! I particularly like Miss Blue Band, such a round gal she is. Your Miss B reminds me of my Lexie, my first BR hen. And momma is just like all my hatchery RIRs in my original flock.


I have to agree with Lisa about integrating a new cockerel with an established rooster being a nightmare. I have never even had good luck with them growing up in the flock like with Isaac's sons. And Rex and Deacon always fought, or rather, Deacon ran from Rex until one day he turned to fight for the first time, catching Rex off guard and giving him internal injuries that were eventually fatal. Isaac seemed to be tolerating Indy and Rex until he just killed Indy one day. He was a very effective assassin, I found out. It made me sad because I always wanted a rooster dream team. Until they started mating the hens, he wasn't too hard on them.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Right now there are 2 dom boys but one will be processed this week. Of course, being raised together from chicks, there is no issue with these 2.

Too bad there wasn't one male with the orps that would have been raised together at the same time.

They may of had a problem next spring under increasing daylight and surging hormones. Some males develop a pecking order and some fight to kill, you just never know.

 

[1muttsfan]

Leah your old girls are in great shape. I also like Miss Blue Band.

Even roosters raised together will often start squabbling once they reach sexual maturity.

 

[speckledhen]

You know, one rooster team that was successful was Ladyhawk's blue Orp, Lancelot, and Suede and Meg's son, Hector, who my own Hector is named for. They had their own special hens, Lance was in charge and Hector was 2nd in command. That team really worked well until the day that Hector was snatched off her front porch by what we believe was a bobcat, it was so silent and stealthy. It was Hector's job to bring up the rear when they headed toward the coop at roost time, and that's what he was doing that late afternoon when he was taken. I coveted a team like that, one that would fight together and get along that way. I don't think Lancelot ever accepted another co-leader the way he accepted Hector. They were such a sight, big blue Lancelot and flaming bright red Hector, who looked like a red Suede (coloring from his mother). I guess I'll never have that, but I sure want it.

 

[h2oratt]

Interesting. I have never had problems with my Roos. I have a big run on the back of my property where I put all the cockerels as soon as they crow. The squabble some but all get along. I leave a few Roos up with the hens until I decide who is staying and who I would like chicks from. Mine have a big area but they all go in a coop at night. I do have multiple coops. No fighting either with hens around.

 

[h2oratt]

View attachment 1599480 You know, when they had a British bachelor on that show The Bachelor, they had to fix his teeth first, true story. If I could only show you the picture of this dude she latched onto....

I have gone and seen him on FB. WOULD MOT APPEALTO ME AT ALL.GLad they are still in love. I hope your son is able to get his final paperwork this week.

 

[Leahs Mom]

I'm glad to hear about the roos @h2oratt . What breed(s)?

 

[h2oratt]

I'm glad to hear about the roos @h2oratt . What breed(s)?

I have been very lucky in the breeds i have.
Orpingtons, gentle giants
Polish,
Barred holland
That white one I posted
Americaunas
SFH. He is kinda of stinker to me but since he has moved to a larger area he doesn’t look at me. Just moves away from me. He does not like strange people.
SFH AND the white polish roo have scrapped a few times through the fence. It’s funny but the SFH is scared of him. I accidentally left their gate open and polish took off after him.. SFH is all crow and no fight.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I have never seen my large breed roosters fight, but there's an obvious pecking order. The bantams on the other hand are constantly after each other and sometimes the fights get bloody in early spring. I personally let them work it out. I have stepped in for two that won't and can't defend themselves, otherwise I let them little stinkers go at it. No one have ever been seriously injured. Mine are all free range, so the loser can usually find somewhere to hide out until the next time.