Wish I could adopt all the Roos

This is just the Way Things Are for roosters. Since an ideal ratio in a mixed flock is 1:10-12 -- and many flocks don't have any roos at all -- then there are "job positions" as breeders, pets, & flock husbands for a mere 10% of all roosters hatched. That leaves 90% of all the roos having their purpose on a plate.

And really, there are worse things to happen to a rooster than to live a short but comfortable life and then provide nourishment for some grateful human family. Furthermore, it is because the chicken is a dual-purpose breed, males for meat & females for eggs, that has caused them as a species to thrive on the earth. For thousands of years humans have nurtured, tended & protected them and enabled them to have such a large population world-wide.

The best I can do for all my surplus roos is to give them excellent care, provide an efficient & humane end, and honor their lives by being grateful for and not wasting a morsel of their meat. When I do buy chicken I choose the kind raised more naturally and less confined. I do not order food from fast-food restaurants, especially off their dollar menus. I try to vote with my spending money for more considerate care for chickens.

 

very well said. And remember there are crazies like me that have 8 roos right now! They are all good boys and live happily...both free ranging and in their pens. not all boys are bad and sometimes it's no big deal to have a few extras running around.

 

Quote:I'm sooooo wanting to keep all my d'uccle roos! Right now they're kinda young so I'm hoping...

My only other option would be to separate into cages and I've never kept a chicken (to live) in a cage...

 

I have far too many roos.... I get all mushy trying to decide who to "execute" but it is more humane than to let them be picked off by predators. And when I see a poor hen that has been run ragged on a really hot day or a chick that gets injured when the boys are chasing one of the girls - well it makes it easier. Most of boys are pretty good fellows they don't bother people and they eat bugs. But I just have too many. Wish more people wanted noisy pets!

 

I do, too. If roosters could get along in large numbers I would have as many roosters as I have hens. It's the fighting that keeps me from keeping a bunch of them! Roosters are so pretty.

 

I have two confirmed roos in my flock currently. I suspect in the fall, they're going to freezer camp. The reason is that one is ill-tempered with the girls, and if I take care of one, I'll probably do the other. They'll have a good life until then and be well-cared for. But I don't need grumpy birds.

 

Quote:Now you're all making me feel guilty!: I locked up my beautiful roo for two days because he's been tearing up the hens. 2 hens, both have sores on their backs. We've medicated with anti-biotic ointment. Guess we'll keep him confined another two days - at least let the girls' wounds heal. Now the girls will stand near him(caged) where before they'd avoid all sight of him. It was a relief to see my hen standing near roo & not running away in terror! I had no ideas what else to do.
Roo is quiet now, not thumping his feet at the sight of the hens. My hubby is set on not having more hens. He doesn't want anymore expenses nor critters to worry about. He is beginning to bond with roo."I can understand the guy - all the fluff & he can't get no stuff.When should we release my boy?" he asks daily

 

I have way to many Roo's myself.. This year was my first time raising chickens so went to TSC and just bought the St run (didnt think I would get too many roos) I now have 7 3mo old roos.. And just two weeks ago I ordered chicks from ideal and they sent me 11 packing peanuts (I had 2 seperate orders) so if the peanuts are all roos (which Im pretty sure they are) I will end up having 18 roos and 34 hens... I was thinking about putting them on CL or giving them away but Im afraid if I give them away someone may abuse them (cock fighting, mistreatment, etc.).. So Im just gonna keep them and see how it works out for now.. My Mother in law is planning on getting chickens soon so hopefully she can take some off my hands... I just cant give my roo's away unless I really know the person will take good care of them... And I wouldnt be able to cull and eat them (they are my pets, and I just cant go that route)..

 

Quote:RIGHT ON!!!!