lay Posted July 19, 2006 Share Posted July 19, 2006 Hi, We bought an Eglu about a Month ago, as our friend had baby Chickens which we fell in love with. I took slightly more persuading than my boyfriend did, but now they are here I have just fallen in love with them. The only Problem is that when we caught our two we caught a boy and a girl, which we did not realise at the time. The farmer said that we could bring the boy back and swap it for a girl. He is 12 weeks old and Crowing slightly at the moment, but I am sure that is just the start of what is too come. I would love to keep him but as we are in a residential area I am not sue it would go down too well with both neighbours or even if it is allowed. I am worried that he will not be accepted back on the farm and as he has been used to regular feeds he might struggle to find food as they are completley free range on the farm. Any suggestions??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley-Jean Posted July 19, 2006 Share Posted July 19, 2006 I'm sure he will be fine if you take him back to the farm. He will not allow himself to starve (chickens aren't stupid you know ) Keeping him in a residential area will give you big problems and your present hen will appreciate a hen replacement (if you know what I mean ) A BIG WELCOME to the forum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted July 19, 2006 Share Posted July 19, 2006 Unfortunately cockerels don't restrict their crowing to the morning - they do it all day . I am sure that he will be fine back on the farm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lay Posted July 19, 2006 Author Share Posted July 19, 2006 Thanks Guy's. I knew he would have to go back I suppose we will be playing catch the Chicken for the next few days (hopefully a girl this time)! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PurpleHen Posted July 20, 2006 Share Posted July 20, 2006 good luck with the chicken chasing Do let us know how you get on.... I'm sure your cockerel will be fine - when my two are out of the run they don't touch the pellets - they love scavanging for their own food! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lay Posted July 29, 2006 Author Share Posted July 29, 2006 Well, we finally got a replacement for the cockerel, but I'm not sure we're getting any closer. It looks less like a boy than the last, but not as much like a girl as our other! Our previous boy had a handsome comb, well our new 'girl' also has a small comb, bright yellow legs and no feathers on them unlike our existing girl. We were however reassured to see that when we put 'new girl' in Pongo decided to attack her which I assume was to establish the pecking order. The Farmer is adament that we now have a girl, we however are not so sure. Any ideas anyone ....??????????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PurpleHen Posted July 31, 2006 Share Posted July 31, 2006 With my limited knowledge - it does sound like you have a girl - just a young one! Yellow legs meant they are not laying yet - as does a small comb, so hope it all works out OK...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted July 31, 2006 Share Posted July 31, 2006 Arthur or Martha? Time will tell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lay Posted July 31, 2006 Author Share Posted July 31, 2006 What a relief. I was dreading we may have to say good bye to another bird. I was reassured to see Pongo peck her as I thought she may not do this to a Boy. Roll on Septmeber - When we hopefully we will get some very tasty organic eggs! Thanks!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted July 31, 2006 Share Posted July 31, 2006 Hens assert their superiority in different ways; Mine used to be happy just to peck each other occasionally to remind a hen of their status. Then I got Lily, who is a largish pekin bantam' she is now top hen and will hold onto their neck feathers until they submit and even mount some of them to demonstrate her dominance So don't worry if your hen starts to do this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trish Posted July 31, 2006 Share Posted July 31, 2006 With some breeds you can tell from the tail feather, males tend to have sharply pointed feathers as they get to the base of the tail and tend to grow long arching tail feathers. Does sound like you have a lirrle girl this time though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted July 31, 2006 Share Posted July 31, 2006 There's the neck feathers too, where they join the back. I think the male ones are pointed and female more rounded Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
