I've got a bit of a saga going on regarding my neighbors rooster that wont stay in his own yard. The whole story is in another section, but the short version is that, now that my roo is gone, the neighbors roo has taken a huge interest in my hens and finds a way into my yard several times a day, every day. I've been keeping my girls locked up until I figure out how to discourage or stop him (non-violently and while maintaining a good relationship with my neighbor!). He's using the trees to get over the fence, apparently. ANYHOW- he's definitely on the low end of his own flocks' pecking order (there are at least 2 other roos) so I get that he's trying to claim my girls as his own. My concern is: IF he did win them over, would he try to lead them back to his home, or would he be more inclined to stay here with them? I've caught him free ranging with my girls before and they all get along fine (actually, my girls totally ignore him, LOL!) & I dont really mind *that*, but I dont want him to "steal" them, kwim? I'd be less worried about his presence in my yard if I knew that they'd stay put. Before anyone can suggest it- No. I dont want to adopt him or keep him. Dont get me wrong, I actually really like him- but I also like not having to run out to the coop at dawn to shut the rooster up before he can bother my other neighbors. Plus, I'm fairly sure that one of the chicks in my brooder is a boy & he's turning out to be really pretty & I may decide to keep him (if he's nice & I get over my aversion to roosters by then!).
They might go with him. I have three flocks that free range together, but sleep in different coops . One of my roosters is very charming, and has lured several hens from one flock over to his. They started by following him around, and now go to the roost with him.
Tell your neighbor what's going on and why you are concerned. Make sure they know that the hens are yours, in case any show up at their coop. Then listen to the response. If they offer to give him to you, accept and rehome him. If they offer to cull him, accept. If they offer to put him up and keep him home, accept. If they don't offer anything and he keeps coming to your house, catch him and return him to them once. Next time, rehome or send him to freezer camp. No one in their right mind could expect more of you.
You could oh so nicely suggest that he clip his wings ( or you could do it) that way he couldn't fly up to the trees and over the fence. Just a thought.
Quote:I've called & left messages, but havent heard anything one way or the other. I think they kept him locked up the last time because he didnt come around for a couple of days- but he was back in my yard again this morning. He's gone now & I havent seen him since this morning, so- maybe they've got him penned up again? Either way, if there's a chance that my hens would follow him away- definitely time to nip this, then. I was just gonna put up a taller fence, but I cant compete with tree branches and fence posts. Clipping their wings doesnt hurt them, right? He's not my bird, so its not my place to do it myself, but the suggestion is worth a shot!
I haven't time to read all the postings, but I have hens who prefer one roo over another. Even to the point that if I separate them the hen will fight to get to her man.
They might go with him, but more likely they will stay in their home territory and allow him conjugal visits.
