Which cockerel is better? I think #1. What do you think?

[kryptoniteqhs]

even tho ive had him since november and hes always been this way? i can actually bring him in the house even lol....he doesnt crow so that wouldnt be a problem or give him a heat lamp....im hoping hes just dried out so it looks that way...ill check it out carefully tho tomorrow and maybe put some neosporin on it

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

Why put neosporin on a pale comb? A pale comb indicates there is an underlying issue going on.

Even if it were dried out...you would still see a nice red coloration to his comb, wattles and face. It just looks like he's "blah" in those pictures. You know..the way you feel after a HORRIBLE cold? His feathers are also really ruffled as well, indicating he doesn't feel like preening.

I would separate and see, but in the meantime, don't get rid of the other bird until he starts looking better...

 

[Msbear]

omg!!! til he dies!! come on. ahahhahahaha Roos mature at different rates. Remember what mikarod said all those months ago when she called her a he? she said she'd had roos that take a super long time to redden and mature... I would slap some lube on that puppy and give him another month.

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

I said till he either dies or gets better...he just doesn't look good. And if he's looking that pale...I wouldn't want to use him as breeding stock even if he does have the better lacing and cushion.

 

[moduckman]

You don't necessarily pick the best rooster to use as your breeding stock. A lot depends on what type you are looking for. Matching the bird with a hen to get a certain outcome is important. For instance, if your breed has too much white, you might want to put a darker rooster with a light hen. The darker rooster may not be the best show bird, but will throw better show birds then the show rooster. Sounds confusing I know, but that's how it works some of the time.

If you're looking for the single best rooster, pick #2 due to the comb.

 

[Msbear]

well maybe it could be a nutrition thing. Kaylee, I see your feeding Dumor... that's a good brand.. I feed dumor laying crumbles and scratch grains but I don't think there is much nutrition in the scratch... I also give them kitchen scraps and they get grass in the yard. Maybe there are supplements or something you could add to see if that helped. couldn't hurt to toss in some handfuls of greens as well. (wilted lettuce, grass etc)

 

[kryptoniteqhs]

they get Dumor and now (since TSC finally got it back in--they were out) free choice grit...still dont know where to get oyster shell, probably at Gowers in Williamsport...but im sure thats not HIS problem (calcium that is)....i mean what are the possibilities if hes always been this way....they eat well....i guess i could seperate him and watch him or something, but hes always been like this....hmmm......i dont know....late bloomer....hopefully.....ill look him over real good tomorrow and report back....hes a happy little camper tho lol

ETA
I use the grower/finisher on them
Also if it is a nutrition thing (thatd be really strange) he should improve significantly over the next few days as now that its warmed up theyve been free ranging all day and eating all the greens and bugs they want