We love our Barred Rocks in Round Rock, Texas! (but we can't keep them! oh no!)

[smferris]

Hello everyone. I never thought I'd own chickens, much less ENJOY them, but our two 4-month-old chickens have grown on me and now we consider them family pets! They are so funny to watch. Very curious and sociable. (And oh how they love those mealworms in that yellow "ball" toy!)

I've been meaning to join for a while, but what pushed me to do it today is that this morning one of our "pullets" started COCK-A-DOODLE-DOO'ing!!! Oh no!!! Turns out we have one rooster and one hen. Not good in suburban Round Rock, where roosters are not allowed. So now we're so very sad because we will have to find the rooster a new home, and quick.

I wanted to ask if we should try to keep the pair together. That's my first instinct -- they have been together since they were 4 days old, and are best buddies. If we keep the hen, and want to add another chick, does this normally work out ok or does the old one pick on the new one?

Also, is anyone in the Round Rock/Cedar Park/Georgetown area of Texas who can point me in the right direction? I'm thinking Craigs List might not be the appropriate way to find the best home for our pets.

Thanks for any suggestions.
m

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, smferris, and

! Great to have you here! Hmmm...While I do know chickens prefer company, I'm not sure if they form lasting bonds with others chickens and experience loss when one leaves. So, not much help, huh? Hope you can come to a satisfying conclusion!

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!!

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

I think you should do what makes you most comfortable. If you keep your hen, it would be better to find a companion that was around the same size, then take a little time to integrate them.

 

[liz9910]

from California, I feel your pain I have had many accidental roosters that I've had to rehome, haven't noticed that the other chickens even noticed them being gone though. Just make sure to get her a new buddy.

 

[sumi]

Hello and welcome to BYC

I'm sorry to hear about your rooster issue. Hope you find a good solution.