Two new homes for my rooster Cogburn - which one should I choose??

[annepolyakov]

Hi all,

I currently have an approximately 5-month old Belgian D'uccle rooster that I am aiming to rehome. Cogburn (his name) is an incredibly sweet rooster who loves to cuddle in your lap and is very friendly. I currently have two potential homes that Cogburn could go to, and I would like to know which home he would live his happiest rooster life in:

1) A lady who owns a townhouse in the suburbs is very interested in Cogburn. She says her townhouse has an enclosed patio and an enclosed balcony, so Cogburn will be a house pet rooster. She also owns an Akita, who she says is well trained. She has no other chickens, but says she would spoil him and is very excited for him to be part of her family. This seems like a great scenario in some ways, but I am worried that Cogburn won't have any chicken companions and will be lonely, and he also won't have any space to roam or grass to be in. However, it sounds like he will be very taken care of. She also says that she might be moving to Texas where her relatives have property within a year, where Cogburn would probably have more space.

2) Our friends own a small farm and have a whole flock of regular and bantam chickens, and would be happy to take him. He would spend his time with the large flock roaming around outside all day and in a chicken coop at night. The only issue here is that their farm is in a rural area and hawks sometimes pick off the chickens. There are also potentially other predators. Also, he would have to get accustomed to a bunch of new chickens (but I would be rehoming him with two other Silkie roosters from my flock, so he would still have some familiar chicken faces around).

I am leaning towards option #2, simply because it seems like a more natural environment to live out a natural chicken life. Although there are dangers from predators, Cogburn would be in a community of chickens doing normal chicken activities. However, perhaps it would be better for him to go to a place where he would be doted on and provided for, even though it wouldn't be as "natural" as a farm.

Please help with any thoughts or advice you have on this matter! I just want Cogburn to be the happiest roo he can be. Thanks so much.

-Anne

PS Some pictures of sweet Cogburn.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Go with option 2. Option 1 is not viable. Townhomes have maintenance for the grounds and he would get evicted quick around here.

 

[Annalyse]

i agree with 21hens i don't think he'll be able to wait a year to move to Texas plus if her other chicken is a rooster they may not get along. option 2 gives him a whole flock and since he's a rooster hell be able to survive a little bit and see the predators in the sky beforehand. Option 2 is your best bet.

 

[FuzzyCritters]

Option 2. Human companionship is good for chickens, but does not at all replace interacting with their own kind. He will be happiest in a flock.

 

[Offshoreorca]

I also agree with option 2 being the better one.

 

[aart]

No brainer, number 2 for sure.

 

[DaisyG2317]

Option 2, like everyone said.

No matter how "nice" or "friendly" or "well trained" she says the Akita may be, they still have a strong prey drive.

Cogburn is very cute, btw

 

[Texasclucker]

i agree with 2 her dog could turn on him on a dime

 

[Texasclucker]

also, he is gorgeous

 

[Artichoke Lover]

Option 2.
Reasons against option 1
A. A townhouse is not going to let a rooster stay because of the crowing. B. If she doesn’t have any other chickens she doesn’t truely know how the dog will act once left alone with the bird. C. He will get lonely especially if the new owner works. A human can never fully replace a chicken companion for him.