Single hen

[Runner123]

Well, some weeks ago we bought a Barnvelder (always liked the look of them) and settled HER in with the rest of the ladies.

 

About a week ago, this lovely GIRL decided to have a go at my leg, hanging on for grim death!! Also had a 'go' at one of the other chickens which got us thinking.....

 

After a little lesson in humility SHE now knows the rules

 

However, this morning, there seemed to be a strange 'un-hen' like noise coming from the coop........turns out our new addition is a Cockerel

 

Not sure whether that is a good thing (more expensive to buy) or not??

 

So now we have to decide whether to keep him or not.

 

Any comments, suggestions gratefully received.

 

John

[moochoo]

Cockerals tend to be much cheaper to buy than hens. Some breeders even give them away when you buy hens too!

It's entirely up to you if you want to keep him. Do you have neighbours that complain?

Would a crowing boy upset your household?

If you can keep him, he'll look after your girls and keep them in line. It's a good thing for your flock, IMO.

[Egluntyne]

Depends on your location. If you are living on a cul de sac on a housing estate, it might not make you popular with the neighbours.

 

Having young children around might be an issue too.

[Runner123]

OK, thanks folks, just showing my ignorance. I thought that the cockerels cost more as our local supplier told me how much they had to pay for some of their breeding males and it was staggering.

 

Anyhow, we live in the middle of nowhere and our neighours are few and far between, we just have the one next door but she is very much a country type and so should have no issues with the noise (I hope).

 

My only concern is that some people say they can be really agressive and I was originally advised against getting one.

 

So I guess we will wait and see, if there are any issues then maybe I'll have to see what cockerel meat tastes like??

 

[TAJ]

How old was he/she when you got him/her? I am getting a new Barnvelder, but the breeder says they are one of the later breeds to be able to sex, they say usually they cannot sex until around 14 weeks.

 

Tracy

[Runner123]

IIRC they said it was around 8 weeks old but I'm not sure.

 

It just started making some very 'un-lady like' noises about 2 weeks ago then this morning all was revealed!!

 

Hey ho, probably keep it unless things get out-of-hand, then...........