the roo issue

[slackwater]

I have several different "flock dynamics" going on. I've got a hatchery-based flock w/2 roos and 12 hens (so far - have plenty more hatchery pullets in the brooder). Other than having some bare-backed hens, everyone gets along and is doing well together.

I have a "teenager" flock w/BLRW, SCM and Ams. These are all from breeders. My ultimate goal is to breed cochins (have some of those from breeders in the 'bator & brooder right now), but I think I'd also like to have Marans for meat birds and possibly create some olive-eggers (I realize that I will occasionally have to section of breeding groups from the free-range flock to get specific chicks). So, I'm guessing that I should keep one of the Marans roos. Once that group is ready to be introduced to the flock, I will be adding 6+ pullets, so I don't think adding the extra roo will cause too much of an issue up front.

The problem is with the BLRW and Ams roos (granted, I don't know which of the Ams are roos yet). They are SO BEAUTIFUL - so it goes against my "farmer's instinct" to eat them. However, we live in a very "farm" type area, where roos like this aren't common - or wanted - but there is a cock fighting group

So I won't just GIVE them away - I will eat them first. But they are too pretty to eat, and no one around here will pay for a "fancy" roo. And I don't really want 3+ extra roos roaming around with my somewhat well-balanced free-range flock.

I have listed them on here and on Craigslist, and on our local online ad website. No bites. Perhaps I was asking too much ($10/BLRW roo, $25 for all 3), but I know they won't sell around here b/c no one is looking for dem deres fancy chickens

Any other suggestions? Do I just have to eat these beautiful birds? I'm thinking I shouldn't have gotten a breed that was too beautiful to eat

 

[CheepSunglasses]

Oooh! Oooh! (waves hand) I just went through this. I didn't want to eat my boys, either, but one day at about a year old, they developed a sudden urge to kill each other. I did the same thing- Craigslist, local lists like Pet Chickens of Virginia, etc. No bites. Then, all of a sudden, three weeks later, I had someone who just couldn't wait to come over and pick one up. Another month of stony silence. I reposted the ad and had another enthusiastic taker. Homes are out there, they are just not abundant. We found two very good ones, but it did take about two months. I had the best luck using Craigslist, but you might also look to see if there are any lists in your state. Good luck!

 

[FF]

well, you're just against your self just about every step you make haha

Honestly what I would so and I still do this is make you a 4'x4' little"coop" for each of your roosters. Put one rooster in the main coop with the girls for a week or 2 and switch. You will give some of your hens a break because of selective breeding and you will have some healthy and happy chickens. You will also have different bloodlines if they aren't form the same hatchery. Good Luck with whatever you do!

 

[slackwater]

In case anyone is wondering where this one ended - my RIR roo, flock head, has started attacking my son & husband - so he's headed to the freezer. That leaves room for one of my young cockerals to move out to the layers flock. Not sure what I will do with the others, but - it's a start!