THE ULTIMATE PECKING ORDER!

[Stepnout]

As some of may know this summer has been my first personal experience raising chickens. I have 6 birds and today I just traded in HOPEFULLY my last 2 roosters. Already exchanged 1 (50%chicken math)!
The small local breeder I purchased my birds from and I came up with the agreement (for a very reasonable price) if any of the birds where roosters he would change them for hens due to city by-laws.
Now to set the stage, the barnyard likely has all ages of at least 60-80 hens/roosters, 12 Turkeys, Guinea fowl, Ducks, Geese, goats, cats, dogs, and pigs. There might be the odd Polar bear, not sure!
Now the moment I let these 2 Roosters hit the ground EVERYBODY knew there was these NEW kids in the playground. The breeder was laying down corn to get everyone's attention and trying to catch my new pullets. There was a bit of chasing turkeys and Guinea seemed annoyed with the new arrivals. but there was plenty of places to get out of the way. So I stood back and took notice of the pecking order. Everyone had their place. Roosters fighting with Geese 3 times their size, 2 hens trying to pull the skin off a turkey's neck. The lower pecking order birds would run in and take one piece of corn as the dominates would stand their ground and fill up. All this crazy commotion and yet no one really got hurt.
The rooster I returned a month ago looks beautiful and healthy! He found his spot in the flock.
Overall this was a great experience.
Oh yeah......still waiting on my first egg

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Actually it sounds a bit too chaotic and stressful to me. I have lots of critters too but they don't go at it.

My turkeys have their own pen and the ducks tend to mind their own business. The goats sometimes run through, but nothing serious.

I definitely wouldn't just add 2 strange roosters to the mix without first separating them for a while, but everyone does chickens differently. What works for others doesn't necessarily work for me and vice versa.

Glad you are enjoying your birds. Hopefully you get some eggs soon, and are done with roosters for now.

 

[Stepnout]

Actually it sounds a bit too chaotic and stressful to me. I have lots of critters too but they don't go at it.

Chaotic, yes very. I’m Thinking it may have been the fact the corn was being offered while trying to get hold of my replacement pullets that brought everyone to break their own boundaries!
The new ladies met their sisters. And put them self to bed in their new coop. Almost time to let them out for the day.

 

[aart]

The small local breeder I purchased my birds from and I came up with the agreement (for a very reasonable price) if any of the birds where roosters he would change them for hens due to city by-laws.

Curious as to how much? Did you buy as chicks or older birds?

 

[Stepnout]

Curious as to how much? Did you buy as chicks or older birds?

aart:
The chicks were $10 each 4 were 8-9 weeks 2 were 6 weeks. My deal was to make sure I ended up with 6 pullets. Quite sure I have now.
Here in New Brunswick we can buy pullets pol for $10 at the feed stores. This fellow is just a small operation mostly selling day old chicks but every year he raises a few pullets for personal use and sells a few. Barnyard mix, nonsexed I think $3 and EE's $5

ps the feed stores mostly sell production type pullets/sex links as far as I understand. Bovans red, Bovans Black, Dekalb Amberlink, Dekalb White

 

[aart]

Oh, not bad price for older chicks especially if they come with a guarantee to replace any males with females.
I thought he was charging you again for the replacement pullets.

 

[Stepnout]

Oh, not bad price for older chicks especially if they come with a guarantee to replace any males with females.
I thought he was charging you again for the replacement pullets.

No I am more than happy. I'll post a picture in a few days when they settle out. they are all healthy looking and I have 2 EE's love the cheeks lol.