The tiny serama; a Hatching adventure

[fluffycrow]

Ursula will surely continue to keep the flock in line. Once the new pecking order is firmly established, it will be good again. Then you can focus on expanding with more beautiful chicks eventually, and Lady Gaga’s legacy will live on. I think we all look forward to seeing tiny Fig grow into a beautiful adult. Foureira has proven herself as a terrific broody! You’ll eventually get to a point where you’ll have more broody girls than you’ll even know what to do with!

I think I'm already at that point! That's not me complaining, I love it! So far, every girl in the bantam pen goes broody. So does Galadriel, Big Red's daughter in the free range group. She has four biological children, three of which are female (the male is actually your chick, WoDia! He's a good boy, by the way). I'm hoping at least one of those daughters also retains the broody gene from her mother. Hopefully next spring the free range group will be able to start brooding by itself, finally doing what the bantam group already does; sustain itself with no need for an incubator.

I'm not sure what Fig's life will look like. That is to say, not sure if I'll be keeping him. I really want to keep breeding seramas, but at the same time, the bantam group is constantly growing, and they're not the ones free ranging. I've got a lot of time to think about it, but chances are Fig will become the head (and only) male of the group

 

[WoDia]

I think I'm already at that point! That's not me complaining, I love it! So far, every girl in the bantam pen goes broody. So does Galadriel, Big Red's daughter in the free range group. She has four biological children, three of which are female (the male is actually your chick, WoDia! He's a good boy, by the way). I'm hoping at least one of those daughters also retains the broody gene from her mother. Hopefully next spring the free range group will be able to start brooding by itself, finally doing what the bantam group already does; sustain itself with no need for an incubator.

I'm not sure what Fig's life will look like. That is to say, not sure if I'll be keeping him. I really want to keep breeding seramas, but at the same time, the bantam group is constantly growing, and they're not the ones free ranging. I've got a lot of time to think about it, but chances are Fig will become the head (and only) male of the group

Many, many broodies! That’s terrific! No incubator would certainly take the pressure off of you. I always prefer they have all of the responsibility. I do have an incubator backup. My Serama hens try to incubate more eggs than their tiny bodies can cover, so I helped out a little this year with the incubator.

I’m very happy to know that Τσουρέκι is such a good boy! And, the last photo you posted of him also showed beautiful color and pattern. I hope you’ll decide to keep him.

If Fig remains with the flock, I look forward to hearing about how he handles his role as lead Serama— and future father to a new generation!

 

[fluffycrow]

Many, many broodies! That’s terrific! No incubator would certainly take the pressure off of you. I always prefer they have all of the responsibility. I do have an incubator backup. My Serama hens try to incubate more eggs than their tiny bodies can cover, so I helped out a little this year with the incubator.

I’m very happy to know that Τσουρέκι is such a good boy! And, the last photo you posted of him also showed beautiful color and pattern. I hope you’ll decide to keep him.

If Fig remains with the flock, I look forward to hearing about how he handles his role as lead Serama— and future father to a new generation!

Yes, I find that natural brooding works best for me. Not that I don't love hatching, I think it's one of the coolest things ever, I just think that they have a much better life when they're raised by a bird of their own species (sometimes even from another avian species). So far I haven't run into the issue of them biting more than they can chew egg-wise. Even Cruella who is pretty small, managed to hatch 14 chicks, as you know. I thought that was wayyyy too much for her, but she proved me wrong.

Yup, he really is. His aseel genes are definitely showing, he won't back down when challenged, but doesn't usually start any brawls. He is a really good boy, but unfortunately rooster "slots" here are very limited. Him being 25% aseel and 25% brahma (and a male) unfortunately means he won't be kept. Realistically, I can only have two LF roosters here long-term, maybe even three if I really push it. That's the reason I'm contemplating on whether or not to keep Fig. If I keep him, no more males will be kept until one of the current ones passes away. If I don't, I might be able to have an open slot for a pure Tsouloufati, Kolovos son. It would be a good idea, as the free range group grows, and eventually (and inevitably) splits. Right now it's all a bit of a jumbled up mess in my head, but I have time to make my decisions.

Bottom line, Τσουρέκι will unfortunately not be kept, as will all other pure Tsouloufati cockerels (with the exception of one that will be kept till spring). His sisters however, will definitely be staying.

It'll definitely be interesting to see how Fig matures. I don't think he'll ever compare to his father, but he just might surprise me. In two weeks max it should be pretty clear how he compares to the standard. If he passes that "test", then we'll have to wait how he does in the temperament and female/offspring care department

 

[WoDia]

Yes, I find that natural brooding works best for me. Not that I don't love hatching, I think it's one of the coolest things ever, I just think that they have a much better life when they're raised by a bird of their own species (sometimes even from another avian species). So far I haven't run into the issue of them biting more than they can chew egg-wise. Even Cruella who is pretty small, managed to hatch 14 chicks, as you know. I thought that was wayyyy too much for her, but she proved me wrong.

Yup, he really is. His aseel genes are definitely showing, he won't back down when challenged, but doesn't usually start any brawls. He is a really good boy, but unfortunately rooster "slots" here are very limited. Him being 25% aseel and 25% brahma (and a male) unfortunately means he won't be kept. Realistically, I can only have two LF roosters here long-term, maybe even three if I really push it. That's the reason I'm contemplating on whether or not to keep Fig. If I keep him, no more males will be kept until one of the current ones passes away. If I don't, I might be able to have an open slot for a pure Tsouloufati, Kolovos son. It would be a good idea, as the free range group grows, and eventually (and inevitably) splits. Right now it's all a bit of a jumbled up mess in my head, but I have time to make my decisions.

Bottom line, Τσουρέκι will unfortunately not be kept, as will all other pure Tsouloufati cockerels (with the exception of one that will be kept till spring). His sisters however, will definitely be staying.

It'll definitely be interesting to see how Fig matures. I don't think he'll ever compare to his father, but he just might surprise me. In two weeks max it should be pretty clear how he compares to the standard. If he passes that "test", then we'll have to wait how he does in the temperament and female/offspring care department

Yes, I certainly agree that a chick has a better life being raised by a broody. After all, they understand the language from day 1, and there is no greater teacher than another bird.

Cruella is an extraordinary hen. That girl probably would’ve attempted to hatch more than those 14 eggs, if she could’ve fit any more under that little body! I’m still wondering how on this Earth did she do it! A very determined hen finds a way.

It’s understandable that you can keep only a small number of males. I’m glad that Τσουρέκι has lived a great life with you. Hopefully, you can keep Fig. I’d love to see how he matures. He may ultimately be a lot like Lady Gaga, and that would be so wonderful for you!

 

[fluffycrow]

Yes, I certainly agree that a chick has a better life being raised by a broody. After all, they understand the language from day 1, and there is no greater teacher than another bird.

Cruella is an extraordinary hen. That girl probably would’ve attempted to hatch more than those 14 eggs, if she could’ve fit any more under that little body! I’m still wondering how on this Earth did she do it! A very determined hen finds a way.

It’s understandable that you can keep only a small number of males. I’m glad that Τσουρέκι has lived a great life with you. Hopefully, you can keep Fig. I’d love to see how he matures. He may ultimately be a lot like Lady Gaga, and that would be so wonderful for you!

I doubt it, but I am very much biased.

Although I regularly mentioned how great Lady Gaga was, well, I should've mentioned it more! I've never had such an all-around great rooster before.

Yes, Kolovos (before having his spur problem) is the best when it comes to his hens (considering the free range arrangement as well), Big Red is the most friendly with me, almost like a puppy, but they were not good in the other department. Lady Gaga was good in everything. He was excellent with his hens, rivaled Kolovos VERY closely; might've even surpassed him, if he were to live longer. He was excellent with me. Would tolerate me, would be accepting of a wattle scritch here and there, would not fuss at all if picked up for a toenail trim or general inspection (he was also very calm during it, and would even snooze a bit during his pedicures), and flew to my hand if he wanted to. At the same time, he wasn't clingy. His priority was his hens, and that was very clear. Even in the aforementioned pedicures, he wanted to be able to see his girls at all times. We had reached an understanding; at no point during the pedicure should I block his vision (by say placing my hand/arm to be able to cut his toenails more efficiently), and any time he wanted to leave, all he'd have to do was stand up, and he was free to leave and go back to his hens.

That's the relationship that I find the best, and healthiest. The relationship I have with Kolovos makes it hard for me, and in Big Red's case, it's hard for the hens. I'm willing to work with almost any rooster as long as he's not attacking his hens (or is extremely aggressive with people, which IME is very rare, I've only encountered one), but I can see that Lady Gaga's temperament brought a lot into the group. The best proof, how prolific his hens were in producing chicks. Yet another thing he excelled at, taking care of chicks.

As this very long text suggests, I really liked that little guy. His son might grow up to be a very good boy as well, but I doubt he'll ever compare.

Lady Gaga was special, very special. Just like my beloved Cruella, and a few others here. No wonder they were each other's favourites

 

[fluffycrow]

I doubt it, but I am very much biased.

Although I regularly mentioned how great Lady Gaga was, well, I should've mentioned it more! I've never had such an all-around great rooster before.

Yes, Kolovos (before having his spur problem) is the best when it comes to his hens (considering the free range arrangement as well), Big Red is the most friendly with me, almost like a puppy, but they were not good in the other department. Lady Gaga was good in everything. He was excellent with his hens, rivaled Kolovos VERY closely; might've even surpassed him, if he were to live longer. He was excellent with me. Would tolerate me, would be accepting of a wattle scritch here and there, would not fuss at all if picked up for a toenail trim or general inspection (he was also very calm during it, and would even snooze a bit during his pedicures), and flew to my hand if he wanted to. At the same time, he wasn't clingy. His priority was his hens, and that was very clear. Even in the aforementioned pedicures, he wanted to be able to see his girls at all times. We had reached an understanding; at no point during the pedicure should I block his vision (by say placing my hand/arm to be able to cut his toenails more efficiently), and any time he wanted to leave, all he'd have to do was stand up, and he was free to leave and go back to his hens.

That's the relationship that I find the best, and healthiest. The relationship I have with Kolovos makes it hard for me, and in Big Red's case, it's hard for the hens. I'm willing to work with almost any rooster as long as he's not attacking his hens (or is extremely aggressive with people, which IME is very rare, I've only encountered one), but I can see that Lady Gaga's temperament brought a lot into the group. The best proof, how prolific his hens were in producing chicks. Yet another thing he excelled at, taking care of chicks.

As this very long text suggests, I really liked that little guy. His son might grow up to be a very good boy as well, but I doubt he'll ever compare.

Lady Gaga was special, very special. Just like my beloved Cruella, and a few others here. No wonder they were each other's favourites

Further to the last point, I am reminded of yet another reason of why he was so great; his and Cruella's relationship.

She was his favourite, and he was her favourite as well. Cruella isn't head hen, but Lady Gaga still went to her, and would put more effort into a relationship with her than he did Ursula. I am sure that Cruella knew how special Lady Gaga was.

I believe her to be one of the smartest birds on this property, if not the smartest. She definitely knew who to pick.

She didn't have the same relationship with her previous male (although they were still young), a relationship Ursula had with that male. That male, Napoleon (the bird in my profile picture), wasn't a bad male either. He was actually a very good bird.

Still, Cruella never bothered to interact with him much. She chose Lady Gaga, as much as he chose her. I doubt that Cruella will ever show similar affection towards Fig, or any other male

 

[TwoCrows]

I doubt it, but I am very much biased.

Although I regularly mentioned how great Lady Gaga was, well, I should've mentioned it more! I've never had such an all-around great rooster before.

Yes, Kolovos (before having his spur problem) is the best when it comes to his hens (considering the free range arrangement as well), Big Red is the most friendly with me, almost like a puppy, but they were not good in the other department. Lady Gaga was good in everything. He was excellent with his hens, rivaled Kolovos VERY closely; might've even surpassed him, if he were to live longer. He was excellent with me. Would tolerate me, would be accepting of a wattle scritch here and there, would not fuss at all if picked up for a toenail trim or general inspection (he was also very calm during it, and would even snooze a bit during his pedicures), and flew to my hand if he wanted to. At the same time, he wasn't clingy. His priority was his hens, and that was very clear. Even in the aforementioned pedicures, he wanted to be able to see his girls at all times. We had reached an understanding; at no point during the pedicure should I block his vision (by say placing my hand/arm to be able to cut his toenails more efficiently), and any time he wanted to leave, all he'd have to do was stand up, and he was free to leave and go back to his hens.

That's the relationship that I find the best, and healthiest. The relationship I have with Kolovos makes it hard for me, and in Big Red's case, it's hard for the hens. I'm willing to work with almost any rooster as long as he's not attacking his hens (or is extremely aggressive with people, which IME is very rare, I've only encountered one), but I can see that Lady Gaga's temperament brought a lot into the group. The best proof, how prolific his hens were in producing chicks. Yet another thing he excelled at, taking care of chicks.

As this very long text suggests, I really liked that little guy. His son might grow up to be a very good boy as well, but I doubt he'll ever compare.

Lady Gaga was special, very special. Just like my beloved Cruella, and a few others here. No wonder they were each other's favourites

Further to the last point, I am reminded of yet another reason of why he was so great; his and Cruella's relationship.

She was his favourite, and he was her favourite as well. Cruella isn't head hen, but Lady Gaga still went to her, and would put more effort into a relationship with her than he did Ursula. I am sure that Cruella knew how special Lady Gaga was.

I believe her to be one of the smartest birds on this property, if not the smartest. She definitely knew who to pick.

She didn't have the same relationship with her previous male (although they were still young), a relationship Ursula had with that male. That male, Napoleon (the bird in my profile picture), wasn't a bad male either. He was actually a very good bird.

Still, Cruella never bothered to interact with him much. She chose Lady Gaga, as much as he chose her. I doubt that Cruella will ever show similar affection towards Fig, or any other male

I love it when people are knowledgeable about their flocks and can go into detail about the individual personalities, understanding the flock dynamics of their bird yards. So many people don't spend enough time observing and learning their body language to understand the relationships that have developed. But you really know your flocks, I totally admire and respect your awareness here, it shows great respect and compassion on a deeper level than many chicken keepers never achieve. Our flocks have much to teach us, if we will only listen.

 

[fluffycrow]

I love it when people are knowledgeable about their flocks and can go into detail about the individual personalities, understanding the flock dynamics of their bird yards. So many people don't spend enough time observing and learning their body language to understand the relationships that have developed. But you really know your flocks, I totally admire and respect your awareness here, it shows great respect and compassion on a deeper level than many chicken keepers never achieve. Our flocks have much to teach us, if we will only listen.

Thank you, TwoCrows.

That is a huge compliment. I completely agree. Our birds, their interactions, and their daily doings. I've learned a lot from them, and still do every day

 

[WoDia]

I doubt it, but I am very much biased.

Although I regularly mentioned how great Lady Gaga was, well, I should've mentioned it more! I've never had such an all-around great rooster before.

Yes, Kolovos (before having his spur problem) is the best when it comes to his hens (considering the free range arrangement as well), Big Red is the most friendly with me, almost like a puppy, but they were not good in the other department. Lady Gaga was good in everything. He was excellent with his hens, rivaled Kolovos VERY closely; might've even surpassed him, if he were to live longer. He was excellent with me. Would tolerate me, would be accepting of a wattle scritch here and there, would not fuss at all if picked up for a toenail trim or general inspection (he was also very calm during it, and would even snooze a bit during his pedicures), and flew to my hand if he wanted to. At the same time, he wasn't clingy. His priority was his hens, and that was very clear. Even in the aforementioned pedicures, he wanted to be able to see his girls at all times. We had reached an understanding; at no point during the pedicure should I block his vision (by say placing my hand/arm to be able to cut his toenails more efficiently), and any time he wanted to leave, all he'd have to do was stand up, and he was free to leave and go back to his hens.

That's the relationship that I find the best, and healthiest. The relationship I have with Kolovos makes it hard for me, and in Big Red's case, it's hard for the hens. I'm willing to work with almost any rooster as long as he's not attacking his hens (or is extremely aggressive with people, which IME is very rare, I've only encountered one), but I can see that Lady Gaga's temperament brought a lot into the group. The best proof, how prolific his hens were in producing chicks. Yet another thing he excelled at, taking care of chicks.

As this very long text suggests, I really liked that little guy. His son might grow up to be a very good boy as well, but I doubt he'll ever compare.

Lady Gaga was special, very special. Just like my beloved Cruella, and a few others here. No wonder they were each other's favourites

Lady Gaga had every quality that makes a great rooster, and you were fortunate to have him. But, you already know all of that. Roosters like him are rare. I hope to hear that Fig grows to emulate at least some of those same qualities. Fig will develop different relationships with you and the flock, but I have no doubt that you and he will connect.

And, maybe even pretty Cruella will like him too. He may surprise you and be much like his father. And, every time you look at Fig, you’ll remember Lady Gaga.

Fluffy, you’ve been so lucky to have such incredible roosters that have been great with their flock and great for you.

I think I understand, at least a little bit, how you’re feeling about the loss. I’ve had a few that were extra special and set themselves apart from all other birds. I still miss them to this very moment.

 

[fluffycrow]

Lady Gaga had every quality that makes a great rooster, and you were fortunate to have him. But, you already know all of that. Roosters like him are rare. I hope to hear that Fig grows to emulate at least some of those same qualities. Fig will develop different relationships with you and the flock, but I have no doubt that you and he will connect.

And, maybe even pretty Cruella will like him too. He may surprise you and be much like his father. And, every time you look at Fig, you’ll remember Lady Gaga.

Fluffy, you’ve been so lucky to have such incredible roosters that have been great with their flock and great for you.

I think I understand, at least a little bit, how you’re feeling about the loss. I’ve had a few that were extra special and set themselves apart from all other birds. I still miss them to this very moment.

Oh my, I'm so sorry for taking so long to respond, WoDia! The notification found me at a busy time, and I had one of those "I'll check later moments", only to forget about it!



I'm still not sure I've processed Lady Gaga's passing. Every day I have to remind myself "oh, he's not here". Life goes on, however, and with every death, there's life