What do I do?

[avroncotton]

I had 8 hens, then got hold of some fertile eggs for a broody hen. Three of them hatched and everything was good they turned into beautiful very large hens. Then returned from holiday two week's ago to find one of the hens is now a rooster!. Then three day's ago; one of the others started to crow! Problem is, my neighbour's bedroom is only a stones throw from my perm. chook run (which took a lot of time and money to build). Logic says I should have a couple of Coq-au-vins, however they are such beautiful birds and I have seen them since they were one hour old!

Any opinions?

Thanks

Tony

Australia

 

[mdbucks]

talk with the neighbor, see how they feel about crowing birds(hand them a dozen fresh eggs before popping the question)

check with zoning are you allowed to have chicks/roosters where you

weigh the relationship with neighbor to liking of the rooster if you are allowed to have them, do you want a angry neighbor for teh next ___years?

 

[AK-Bird-brain]

I agree..... bribe them with fresh eggs, but also check your local zoning regulations.
We had the same problem and finally culled him because WE were tired of all the racket.

 

[silkiebeginer]

I'd talk to the neighbor too. Maybe she doesn't mind him. After a while she will get used to him and not even notice him anymore. I have 19 baby chicks sleeping in my house at night in a box, i don't even notice them anymore.

Jennifer

 

[V Chic Chick]

You can only have one roo to every 8 or 10 hens, and it is likely to turn out that half of your hatch is roos.

As such, unless you have a lot of hens and a neighbour with a penchant for roos, then some or all will have to go - and whether that means giving them away (hard in most cases, and usually leads to them being eaten by someone else, or used for cockfighting - gypsies have a reputation for using young pet roos from well-meaning owners as sparring material for their older cocks) or eating them yourselves is a matter that you will have to decide.