maranfarmer563
Songster
I have some 2nd generation of mikes chicks hatched today,what do you want me to look for.
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The only way to sex day old chicks that are FM is by vent sexing. I am learning it but maybe my eyes are just getting old. You can also do it by behavior. The boys will jump back but still be on alert if you move your finger towards them. But I think the behavior method only works for 3 week olds. And sometimes they crow. I have a 5 week old Svart boy that crows to let me know that something is in the feed bowl.
Protective behavior is not really a trait that is linked to the FM gene. I have 15 rare breeds. Even in the same breed of those 15 breeds, there is a lot of variation in the protective behavior of roos. Some will abandon the hens and save themselves at the sight of a fox. Others will fight the fox to their death. If you have a good roo, then treat him right. Those are my favorite kind. But be careful as the protective behavior can flip on you and turn into human aggression if the roo ever thinks you are the threat. I have a Birchen Marans roo that can jump to shoulder height and attack with his spurs. He does this every chance he can, especially whenever I am collecting eggs.My SH cockeral, Odin, does that. Especially at night. We heard something making a scratching sound the other morning about 2 am and Odin crowed 10 times then stopped. I think it was the cat. Then yesterday after dusk I refilled everyone's water after getting home late and he crowed 3 times. He is much more aware of danger and properly warning everyone then my older cockerels/Jr roos.
@DCchicken
How have you noted your roos protection abilities. The black skinned birds vs the others, I.e., more jungle capable? My Silkie roo watches for every hen/pullet to return to the pen like he's counting heads, as well as the other Jr roos. The other two roos in that pen are Legbars and only care if my 4 legbars show up. They roost on a suspended roost and everyone else cuddles together in a box nest/roost. Except that their all adults I'd worry about them smothering each other. But I digress somewhat. My point is that Odin the SH is also seeming much more aware and protective even though he's my youngest of the near adults.
Protective behavior is not really a trait that is linked to the FM gene. I have 15 rare breeds. Even in the same breed of those 15 breeds, there is a lot of variation in the protective behavior of roos. Some will abandon the hens and save themselves at the sight of a fox. Others will fight the fox to their death. If you have a good roo, then treat him right. Those are my favorite kind. But be careful as the protective behavior can flip on you and turn into human aggression if the roo ever thinks you are the threat. I have a Birchen Marans roo that can jump to shoulder height and attack with his spurs. He does this every chance he can, especially whenever I am collecting eggs.
But because of the value of my Svart Hona and Cemani, I keep them in reinforced welded wire pens with electric fencing. My biggest predator is actually the two legged kind.
My wolfies keep me abreast of anything out of sorts...a cat or even a roadrunner ...
Lol. The wolfies even tattle on the horses when they do anything they shouldn't. One thinks my chickens and chicks are his babies...at least he cares for them as if they are...when I have any little black babies hatching he asks to see through the incubator clear plastic...he gets to greet them when they're transfered to a brooder box and chastises me when I've picked one up making it peep loudly...supervising me put the chick back in with the rest..of course he then has to put his whole head in so I can't see anything and touch his nose to them all bonding I guess...or imprinting.DC I hope you haven't lost any birds to theives. Can you put motion sensor alarms in? There must be something you can do.
If you have a good roo, then treat him right. Those are my favorite kind. But be careful as the protective behavior can flip on you and turn into human aggression if the roo ever thinks you are the threat. I have a Birchen Marans roo that can jump to shoulder height and attack with his spurs. He does this every chance he can, especially whenever I am collecting eggs.
I usually greet all unknown people carrying my crossbow. No one steals from a guy carrying a crossbow. At night the cages are all locked up with deadbolts.DC I hope you haven't lost any birds to theives. Can you put motion sensor alarms in? There must be something you can do.