Zachary, Louisiana Rooster

[Lovem all]

Well right now the garden is dead because its so cold, but when there was still stuff in it we had a section all for them. Maybe it's not a bad idea to trim his wings, My zepp used to jump out a ton but then I learned he was just trying to follow mommy so I would go and give him love about once a day and he was fine. And trust me I hate when the goats are all up in the chicken feed. Maybe in addition to the play house he can have a small dog cage, just frot feeding time. You should be able to lock him right in because he'll be eager for food and he can be let out when the goats are done.
Personally all of my girls migrate to the barn for feeding time so they get food a few minutes after then chickens so it's not that big of a deal. To be honest if my two boys have to stay seperated for longer I'm kinds glad because I know that they would protect the baby goats. They have a really close bond with our youngest, they ever eat hay with her and it's just so sweet because she loves them to and if it rains she makes them go hide in the house with her so they all don't get wet.

 

[alwaystj9]

Extra Roo is now locked up in the young bird covered pen which is inside the chicken pen. It's covered and has a small house in it. I just hate to keep him locked up and hope I can find him a home. At least in the smaller pen he is easier to catch. I find wing clipping isn't very effective on a bird that's become a habitual escaper. He's an agile jumper and will jump onto a fence, grab it with his toes and spring off and usually over. Wing clipping does make him flap harder but he still gets out. This time of year I have to work a lot of hours and can't hang out, waiting on someone to finish eating. I have gotten busy and forgotten to let one out (or in), especially since it's probably 4 am and I have to get to work. I feel bad when I either remember what I didn't do or come home and find some animal locked up or locked out.
I feed the chickens first to get them out from underfoot while I do all my other stuff.

 

[Lovem all]

That sounds like you are really busy and I do hope that you can find him a home. I understand hating to leave an animal locked up, especially when it's by itself. I also know that finding roosters a home can be very tricky. One day I hope that I can have my own flock with lots of rescues/adopted chickens. I would even create a bachelor pad for all of my handsome men. Right now I'm just not in the postion for it so sometimes I reply to these rooster threads in hopes of trying to help. I hate to see roosters pointlessly killed when they have done nothing wrong but hatch. I can see though that you are compassionate and care about him, even though he is an inconviense.

 

[Lovem all]

Can I ask about how many ladies you have? If you have about 8 per fella maybe the boys could tag team it, or it could be a thought. If anything you have a back up rooster lol. I hope someone able to take Zach will respond soon. At least with us chatting it gets the thread to keep popping up in the box so people are more likely to answer.

 

[alwaystj9]

I have 18 hens. That splitting the flock between 2 roosters has not worked for me. What has happened is the young roo will get a hen or two and they will try to set up a new flock out in the back of the pasture or in my yard. Then I can't get them to move back into the pen. At that point something usually eats them or I have a round-up and sale before they get eaten.
With this guy, Dad chases him out of the coop or pen or halfway across the pasture. That's how the brother got hawk-eaten; he was run off from the flock and safety. It makes me aggravated trying to keep the peace. As I said before, I am no longer a martyr to my animals. Years ago I realized that I can spend all my time dealing with animal issues or I can move a few out to make things run more smoothly. I get tired of having to accommodate the special interests. I usually don't let broodies hatch out eggs because of this. I don't want to go forward having to deal with a separate bird. I am not starting a second flock or building another coop. I have 13 does and when they start dropping babies, I don't want to deal with a rooster in the mama/baby pens. I am trying to be humane but I really don't want 2 roosters. It never ends well, one time I had a mad roo accidently kill a hen who got between him and the "spare" roo. His spur went into her breast almost dead center and she was dead right there. That was so bizarre I was glad someone was there with me and saw it too because I didn't believe what had just happened.

 

[Lovem all]

Oh my gosh that poor poor hen. At least she didn't suffer.

Well I totally understand what you are saying now. I also understand how agrivating it can be to deal with so many special animals (I have had several cases of special babies). I have the patience AND time but that seems to be a luxery you are in need of lol. I just hope that mister Zachery can behave himself until someone will come along because it certainly seems like you've tried.

He's a good boy, just not at the perfect home for himself yet.

 

[alwaystj9]

I usually find them a home, next weekend I am off I may run him up to the feed store. They've sold several birds for me. He's fine, maybe not as happy as he could be, but he is with the others, just not free to roam. Better than hawk-bait.

 

[Lovem all]

Way better than hawk bait. I agree. I'm so glad that you posted on here. Maybe someone couldn't take him here but at least we got to swap some stories and I feel like we're kinda goat/chicken farmer friends now lol

 

[Lovem all]

Also you mentioned you have nearly 20 goats, I only have 9. We are breeding 4 of the does right now. (2 haven't had kids yet) do you have any advice for a first time breeder?
We have nigerean dwarfs (i cant spell worth a dime) for 3 girls and both bucks but 1 doe is that mixed with a neubian and our young buck can't really reach yet. So far only 1 definate breeding and a possible. I'm just so excited to be honest.

 

[alwaystj9]

That young buck will figure out a way if they are allowed to pasture breed/run together.
If hand breeding, a bale of hay may help him. I just pulled my buck out from the pasture. Everyone is about 3 months bred. He is very unhappy and spent last night apparently trying to destroy the buck pen.