Where Can I Get 2 Young Cockerels?

[pondviewfarm]

I currently have 24 chicks. All of them are pullets with the exception of 4 Bantam Silkies that were purchased straight run.
I would like to add 2 young cockerels to the flock that I am raising. Unfortunately, most places here only sell pullets and I don't want to have to order a minimum of 15 chicks online in order to get these males.

Any suggestions? I've contacted one local hatchery but I haven't heard back yet.

Thanks.

 

[Basil G]

Easy, Craigslist or bargain news

 

[pondviewfarm]

I've looked on craigslist - there are very few postings of available cockerels. Plenty of pullets though.
I also want to be careful not to drag disease back to my place and my chickens in an effort to get these cockerels.

 

[Basil G]

I always buy adults (so I know exactly what I get) I keep them separated for a week to see if they have anything, they I let everyone meet each other though a fence or in a crate then 2-3 weeks later everyone is a happy family (except for the newest guy. The silkie cockerel I bought at a show had a tough time being excepted only one of the other roosters wanted him the girls were bullies, but now with warm weather they are getting along fine)

 

[DelcoChix]

Have you tried posting in the "For Sale/Wanted" section here on BYC? Cockerals are pretty easy to find unless you're looking for a particular breed or a show quality bird...also check the "Free" postings here....good luck!
I'll probably have some from the batch of 17 I picked up from a breeder a week ago, but won't know for a few more weeks, but not sure how far from Ohio you are so that might not be of much help...

 

[pondviewfarm]

Thank you for the replies.

Basil, the procedure you use to introduce slightly older cockerels makes sense. I am not against getting older males but if I do, I think I will wait until after I have moved the current chick population outside with the older flock. I don't want to introduce just two young males to my older rooster and 3 hens because I'm not sure how smoothly that will go. Conversely, if I find some cockerels between 1 and 3 weeks old, there are brooders that I can put them in after a short period of separation. Idk, my instincts on that could be totally wrong. lol

Delco, I will go look for the free and for sale/trade pages that you brought up. I'm still figuring out where everything is here.
Unfortunately, I am in NC and OH is quite a ways away. I appreciate your offer though.

 

[midwest]

Put an ad on craigslist that youre looking for or wanting to buy a couple cockerels. Im sure someone would contact you with some.

 

[debid]

Eight to twelve weeks after chick days at TSC begins, there will be a ton of young cockerels desperately seeking homes because their owner lives where roosters aren't permitted or they can only keep one of the many they got in a straight run batch. Every year, Craigslist is flooded with them. It's just a couple weeks early yet.

Oh, and don't forget the local boards here in the social section. Breeders always have more roosters than they need.

 

[pondviewfarm]

Thanks debid!
I hadn't even discovered the local section yet. LOL

 

[Farmer Viola]

I've looked on craigslist - there are very few postings of available cockerels. Plenty of pullets though.
I also want to be careful not to drag disease back to my place and my chickens in an effort to get these cockerels.

wow, really! where do you live if I may ask??
I am always posting cockerels on craigslist LOL!
they do sell, but very slowly... wish I could give you a couple of mine!

I live near Portland, OR and I have multiple blue laced red wyandotte cockerels who will need re-homing in the next month or two.
the splash and black cockerels can be re-homed asap;
the blue cockerels will be evaluated first, available a little later.
if you are ever in Oregon send me a PM!