4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[speckled hen]

Well it is three weeks since I discovered that Mabel my gorgeous orpington is in fact a boy. Hubby and I decided to give him a trial to see how much noise he makes etc. Much to my dismay he started crowing at 3am we don't have many neighbours but thought this was a bit much really and decided he should go. Many phone calls later and no home could be found, the only option was to give him back to the breeder and he would be taken to auction. I was really unhappy about this as he is so lovely and they are all a little family now. Anyway, we were out at the front of the house to day and heard a cockerel crowing, it didn't sound like Colin, and it wasn't!!!!!!!!! The new owners of the pub across the road have got some chickens, including a cockerel. So it turns out the 3am culprit was not Colin but the new boy across the street. So no more worrying about the neighbours, Colin gets to stay

 

Just thought I would share a happy cockerel outcome.

[laurmurf]

well done speckled hen! Speaking as the chook-mummy to another cockerel that we've fallen in love with and intend to keep (if we can ) I understand your turmoil up to now!

[speckled hen]

Yes it has been really difficult. I just kept thinking that he has been part of the family for 5 months now and how could I punish him for been a boy Seeing him roll about in the mud today made keeping him all the easier

 

Good luck keeping your boy

[Lewis]

We need a photo of said Colin to congratulate him

 

Glad you can keep him

[lozboz]

what a relief you can keep him, i would be devistated if one of my chucks had to go

[Cooks]

that's great news your able to keep him...

[Ain't Nobody Here]

That's great news . If anyone complains, at least you can always blame the other cockeral (as long as they don't do the same ).

[Cooks]

thats what I was thinking...

[speckled hen]

Tee hee that sounds like a plan

 

My next dilemma is the breeders offer to give us a little orpington girl even if we decided to keep Colin (as we thought we bought a girl). I would like a girl but don't think adding one on her own is a good idea. So it is a question of space, with Colin staying plus 6 lovely ladies, can I find a corner or two for two lovely ladies??? I have a cube and they do all sleep in one corner anyway So it is 2 or none, what would you do??????

 

The extra girl doesnt have to be an orp, he has shetland, columbian and many other lovely ladies. So maybe 1 orp and one little one

 

Any advice welcome x

[RubyMurray]

Hiya

 

I'm glad you have decided to keep Colin.

 

I have a 3 and a half year old Light Sussex cockerel myself called Bert. He is sooooo friendly and such a good boy, he looks after his wives really well when they are free ranging (all 30 odd!!)

 

I must be honest though, although he is extremely quiet for a cockerel (only crows about twice a week) my neighbour recently had a loft conversion done and has heard him crow at 4am and did complain. My hubby has been brill and built a cockerel crate which we call the 'fridge' and I pop him in there at midnight every night. Bit of a job cus he's huge but he's so friendly he's no bother at all, so if you do hear Colin at night in the future, get your hubby to build a cockerel crate too.

 

Dyan x

[Daphne]

If Colin is a large fowl just remember that by the time he's fully grown he is going to be massive. 6 girls to an orp is a good ratio so you won't need extra girls to spread his attentions widely enough. If you do decide to get another girl(s) I would strongly recommend larger ladies.

[speckled hen]

Do you think there is space in the cube for two orpington girls? I don't want to squash them!

[laurmurf]

you'll easily fit a couple of orps in the cube with the others...by the way, as you're in North Yorkshire will you share the info on this dealer who has all these lovely chooks?!

[speckled hen]

Hi there

I have put all of the details below. He is a really nice chap and has lots and lots of lovelies!!!!

 

 

Breeds: Ambers, Columbians, Araucanas, Shetlands, Orpingtons, Silver laced Wyandottes, Buff Sussex, Peafowl, Golden Pheasants.

 

Keith Huggins

Railway Cottage

Asselby

Nr Howden

East Yorkshire

Tel: 01757 638191

 

 

Happy shopping

[Christian]

Thanks for the recommendation Speckled Hen. Will add him to the list of recommended breeders in the FAQ.

[smokiechicken1969]

ahh another sucess story. thats wonderful news well done colin