Want only one roo, but want to make it count

[vortec]

Quote:
I am interested in knowing about your experience with the Iowa Blue roo. I considered one at one time as they are truely georgeous birds, but lack of info made it to where I am opting for something a little more popular so I can know what to expect. Keep me updated on how it goes because I will probably be looking to buy this time next year after this years group is older. Thanks!

vortec

 

[katrinag]

I have a HUGE Buff Braham roo and he mates with the bantys with no problems. He is not hard on them at all.
If you order all pullets you will likely get a roo or 2 also. I would wait till there hormones kick in and then pick the one you want and stew the other. Also food for thought they can be nice on day and them jerks the next just like people.

 

[willowcol]

Well if you are getting them from McMurray you will get a free roo in your order anyways. Maybe it will be a sweetheart and you don't have to pick one.

 

[vortec]

Well that is good to know. I am probably leaning at the present moment torwards the buff orp roo and ordering from Ideal because Mcmurray requires 25 bird min( correct? ) I don't like what I hear about the RIR and don't know enough about the Iowa Blues, so I'm going to scratch them from the list.

What are the specifics on the packing roos that I have been reading about from this site. Can you choose them or are they selected from a random basis. Say I'm going to order around 8-9 pullets, how many if any roos will I get from that?

Thanks for all input

vortec

 

[willowcol]

Our only rooster we keep was a RIR, he is the sweetest. My kids carry him around the yard all the time. I think it just depend on the certain roo. Some will be sweet some mean, never know til thier hormones kicked in. We had RIR, BR, LH, RSL, OEGB roo's we got rid of all but the RIR.

 

[katrinag]

Like others have said sexing is 90%. I would order 15 pullets and hope for 9. You can also sell or eat what you do not want. Just FYI, this whole chicken thing is very addictive. I started out wanting the same as you, but know I have 35 something.

packing roos are what every they have extra, so there is no picking.

 

[vortec]

Quote:
Thats good. Looking back on this thread it seemed that all of the experiences with RIR roos had been that they tended to be aggresive and mean, but it stands to reason that it would be some more then others even within a particular breed. My dad had a little experience with chickens when he was a kid and he never remembered any negative things about the RIR roos. I have always liked the way they have looked, them and the NH reds. They make a pretty chick as well.

As far as size goes, will the jersey giant be much bigger then the Buff orp? I'm looking for a big bird to serve as breeder with the potential to become supper when mature.

Thanks for the help, its always appreciated

vortec

 

[vortec]

Quote:
Can it vary as much as bantam roos packed with heavy pullets because I definitly want a heavy roo. You are right about the selling/eating what I don't want and what I might do is special order what I want to keep roo wise with the mind set that there will be some more roos mixed in with the pullet chicks that will serve as fridge stuffers. Thanks for the input it seems to really be helping out.

vortec

 

[jvls1942]

You are going to get hundreds of good rooster/bad rooster opinions.

First off I question why you would even want a rooster? are you planning to expand your flock? or are you going to keep it about 6 hens? what are you going to do with the chicks you will hatch?

If you are going to eat the extra chickens, then I would recommend you get yourself a large breed rooster like a Delaware or Buff Orpington..

If you want the offspring to be egg layers, get an egg type rooster, but be advised your offspring will tend to be smaller at maturity..

BTW I have had hundreds of Buff Orpington roosters over the past 40 years and never had a mean one..

 

[vortec]

Quote:
Expansion is definitely one of my goals, and I am trying to get good dual purpose breeds such as the Buff Orp, Barred Rock, etc. I am hoping to sell eggs on the side to pay off some of the cost of feed, as I go and maybe make a little money on the side. I will try to get rid of the extra roosters and more then likely pen the up in another pen when breeding is not on the agenda so as not to get fertilized eggs. I am just trying to start off small to get my feet wet and learn all of the tricks but we have the capacity and the resources to make this a good sized operation in the future. Let me know if you have any suggestions as I will be greatly appreciative. Thanks

vortec


EDIT: I have recently come up with the roo I want with the help of my family. I am going with the Australorp roo with hens to breed it in the future. Let me know what you think and any suggestions are always appreciated. Thanks again