To I'm a new chicken mama - how do you know if you need to cull?

[SunnyPines]

I got my first flock (7 feathered friends) this year - May 5th from Tractor Supply. 2 gorgeous Isa Brown's (Honey & Ginger), 2 fiery Black Sex Links (Cherub & Seraph - aka Cheri & Sera), 1 Rustic Rock (Phoebe), 1 White Sport Leghorn (Angel), and special needs Rhode Island Red rooster (Roger). I don't know what happened to Roger but as he grew one of his legs continued to look off. Now that he's grown it appears like one leg grew out of joint or something. He gets around fine - chases and mounts the girls. He has a significant problem that is tiresome. He doesn't squat right so he constantly has a dootie bootie. I have to bath him at minimum once a week to remove the build up from his backside. It bothers me when I see he has gotten marks on one of the girls - yuck! He is a relatively docile rooster though. Well, except for he definitely has hormones! So far though he hasn't cause any of the girls to loose feathers so I don't think he's overly rough with them. I don't think he quite makes contact with them though - at least from what I've observed. I don't know if his problem was a birth defect or if he was somehow injured as a chick - it didn't happen under my watch. I just don't know if his cleanliness is going to be a problem for his whole life. Should he be culled?

 

[Jenbirdee]

welcome to BYC
when i have to make a cull decision i do a qla quality of life assessment.
as you said he seems to have a pretty happy life, so no, i would not cull
the problem lies in whether or not you are willing and/or able to deal with the extra care he needs
can you get someone to help you if it's too much for you?
or perhaps you might try to rehome him to someone who does have the willingness and time for the extra needs caring.

 

[2ndTink]

This is a tough question and no one can definitively answer it for you, and there is no right or wrong choice. You have to do what you deem is right, but here are some things to consider that may help.

Many people keep special needs chickens and that is perfectly fine, many people hard cull for flaws or issues less than what your rooster is dealing with, this is also perfectly fine.

Consider his wellbeing and your wellbeing, how much time and energy you have to commit to a special needs bird, how will this impact him as he ages, can you rehome him to someone who would love having a special needs pet to tend to? Is keeping him adding too much stress in your life? Would rehoming him and wondering how he's being cared for stress you?

Has the bad leg affected his development? Is his keel or spine crooked? This can put pressure on his internal organs.

Is this a decision you want to make right away or is this something you are just pondering? If you aren't in a hurry, you can always cull later if his life quality decreases.

If you do choose to cull him, do not feel guilty about it, you have given him a great life so far, he has had a way better life than any grocery store chicken! Hopefully this makes sense

And also, welcome to BYC!

 

[CherishedFowlGuardian]

Welcome to BYC!!

 

[Bsmac]

Welcome to BYC! That is always a tough question! Personally, if he gets around ok and does not act like he is in pain I would let him live his life! Especially if he is good to his girls and is good with you! Just my 2 cents worth! My problem is I get attached to them all even a few that were little turds lol!

 

[SunnyPines]

This is a tough question and no one can definitively answer it for you, and there is no right or wrong choice. You have to do what you deem is right, but here are some things to consider that may help.

Many people keep special needs chickens and that is perfectly fine, many people hard cull for flaws or issues less than what your rooster is dealing with, this is also perfectly fine.

Consider his wellbeing and your wellbeing, how much time and energy you have to commit to a special needs bird, how will this impact him as he ages, can you rehome him to someone who would love having a special needs pet to tend to? Is keeping him adding too much stress in your life? Would rehoming him and wondering how he's being cared for stress you?

Has the bad leg affected his development? Is his keel or spine crooked? This can put pressure on his internal organs.

Is this a decision you want to make right away or is this something you are just pondering? If you aren't in a hurry, you can always cull later if his life quality decreases.

If you do choose to cull him, do not feel guilty about it, you have given him a great life so far, he has had a way better life than any grocery store chicken! Hopefully this makes sense

And also, welcome to BYC!

Thank you for you thoughtful response. His keel is prominent I feel it distinctly when I hold him- that I've noticed but not crooked. So far, I've not minded bathing him - I'm used to it but it's definitely a chore that I won't look forward to once his spurs are developed!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

If you don't mind keeping up with his maintenance, then keep him. It does sound like he has a good life. It might not be normal but it is working for him and the girls.

You will want to pay close attention in the summertime to ensure he doesn't get flystrike. So you'll probably need to clean him more frequently in the summer months. You may also want to consider clipping the feathers off from underneath his vent to help with keeping him cleaner.

When his spurs come in, just nip the tips off every time you give him a bath. Then they won't grow that long.

 

[N F C]

Hi, you've been given lots of food for thought on how to handle this guy so take some time to think it over and then decide on what works best for you and him.

 

[casportpony]

I got my first flock (7 feathered friends) this year - May 5th from Tractor Supply. 2 gorgeous Isa Brown's (Honey & Ginger), 2 fiery Black Sex Links (Cherub & Seraph - aka Cheri & Sera), 1 Rustic Rock (Phoebe), 1 White Sport Leghorn (Angel), and special needs Rhode Island Red rooster (Roger). I don't know what happened to Roger but as he grew one of his legs continued to look off. Now that he's grown it appears like one leg grew out of joint or something. He gets around fine - chases and mounts the girls. He has a significant problem that is tiresome. He doesn't squat right so he constantly has a dootie bootie. I have to bath him at minimum once a week to remove the build up from his backside. It bothers me when I see he has gotten marks on one of the girls - yuck! He is a relatively docile rooster though. Well, except for he definitely has hormones! So far though he hasn't cause any of the girls to loose feathers so I don't think he's overly rough with them. I don't think he quite makes contact with them though - at least from what I've observed. I don't know if his problem was a birth defect or if he was somehow injured as a chick - it didn't happen under my watch. I just don't know if his cleanliness is going to be a problem for his whole life. Should he be culled?

Welcome to BYC. I had one like this and she got around very well for many years.

@Eggcessive, does this look like it could be a varus deformity or tibial dyschondroplasia?

 

[GodLovesU]

You could also consider rehoming him.