Egluntyne Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 He needs a bit more than just mixed corn to eat. Next time you pop in, why not advise her on food. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve. Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 Thank you for going back there Emma like you promised. That is very much appreciated. I think that its best that an official gets involved to sort it out ... as clearly the shop hasn't got a clue on how to look after chickens. Trial and error is not the way to learn if you are in the process of selling livestock. Would you ringing Defra for their advice be too much trouble? Would it be too cheeky to ask you to update again if you did speak to them ... I'd personally be really interested and I would be sure the other subscribers of this thread would also be interested. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 im glad you went back because I was curious. Poor little chap stuck there on his own, I cant believe they give him a litter tray to sleep in! I wonder if they turn all the lights off in the store at night? It cant do him any good at all if he's not in the dark overnight, chickens in lit situations will eat all the time (as they do in broiler houses). Well done to you for asking all those questions, Im just hoping maybe a nice knowledgable chicken person with room for a cockerel collects him very soon as he needs some friends! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emmaw298 Posted November 25, 2008 Author Share Posted November 25, 2008 i wasn't sure on the food requirements of a rooster as obviously they don't lay eggs but suspected that corn wouldn't be sufficient on its own - what else should he be having? am I right in thinking he needs grit too? I will call DEFRA Steve as I am intrigued to what the rules actually are here and if there is anything positive that can be done with this particular situation. I'll continue to update the post as I find out more. I'm sure this is something that will grow and grow as chickens are becoming more popular so if we all know the correct rules, we can ensure that they are being managed and sold appropriately. The assistant did tell me that he crows in the morning so assuming that they are turning the lights off and when they switch them on in the morning this is making him crow! I really want to rescue him but I think the neighbours would kill me!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 25, 2008 Share Posted November 25, 2008 Layers pellets ....they generally eat what the girls are having. Or even growers pellets, depending on his age. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emmaw298 Posted November 25, 2008 Author Share Posted November 25, 2008 thanks egluntine! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenanne Posted November 26, 2008 Share Posted November 26, 2008 I agree that whilst he is in the shop they need to make sure he is kept properly: so he needs more than just corn, including greenstuffs and, definitely, grit! He also needs company, but if they are getting hens in and selling them then the chances are he shouldn't be on his own for long at a time. However, its a pets owner who is responsible for looking after them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 26, 2008 Share Posted November 26, 2008 He'll find the ever changing girls a bit upsetting I imagine, and the fact that they are there one minute and gone the next. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenanne Posted November 27, 2008 Share Posted November 27, 2008 Any type of animal retailer etc must have the same problems of having a constant flowthrough of animals, some of whom will be on site longer than others. It can't be nice, and I imagine that the cockeral will be there longer as so few people want them. But it should be a short-term problem: pet shops need to sell, so they can't want or anticipate having animals unsold in the store for long. They (surely?) must research the market before ordering "new" things or diversifying, so I assume they are confident that there are people in the area who will want a cockeral. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eggypeggy Posted November 27, 2008 Share Posted November 27, 2008 Well done 'detective' for going back in there.. Would the RSPCA not be able to sort this one.. I know he is poultry but he's being treat like a family pet. I'm sure they could send someone down for a quick look.. They'd be the first people I would call. If nothing else they could give the shop the correct advice on housing caring for a chook. Good luck. I's good to know you're keeping an eye on the situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
