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

[batcatz]

Just an opinion poll really as I know what I should do (I think) but keep thinking about keeping both cockerel and hen!! I can't really as I live in a terraced house, but then again my neighbours have never complained about the loud dawn chorus and constant noise from my cockateil aviary!

 

Situation

I have 2 silkies bought as hens, but one is now a cockerel. (They live with Dotty and am picking up another chook this week.)

The cockerel and hen follow each other around and are a proper pair, but are still young. i.e. no crowing at 5am, but occasional rrrrrrrrrrrasping sounds when excited over food or calling the girls back in to roost. The hen should start laying eggs soon.

I have phoned the farm where I bought them from and have arranged to swap the cockerel for a hen.

 

DILEMA - I don't really want to seperate them

Should I swap the cockerel for the hen or give both back so they can stay together? Then I'd get two new silkie hens.

 

If they get seperated and I keep the hen will she be ok?

 

He is not crowing yet so I can keep him longer..... I don't want to leave it too late.

 

 

Amanda

[Redwing]

I dont think there is much point taking them both back, they are unlikely to stay together in the future once at the farm so I would keep the hen and swap the cockerel for a hen atleast you get to keep one of your much loved pair

[Patricia W]

I'd do the same unless you're really committed to having a cockerel.

 

The advantages of a cockerel are that a) it adds an interesting dimension to the chicken to chicken relationship and keeping a flock b) you will get fertilised eggs whcih can be hatched

 

But both can be a disadvantage as I'm finding. My introductions seem far harder with a cockerel than I think I would have with just hens and, not everyone likes the idea of eating fertilised eggs. And if they are related, there is a higher chance of genetic problems coming through in the offspring.

 

And there are more disadvantages - main one is that cockerels crow! I don't have a silkie, but I do know my cockerel is much louder than any hen cackle. Also, the ratio is 1 cockerel to 8 chickens - or the smaller number can get worn out!

 

I don't think they'll pine for each other if you separate them at this age. Especially if the cockerel goes somewhere with lots of new ladies!

 

You need to decide how committed you are

 

Tricia

[batcatz]

Thanks all, this has helped me stop worrying about the silkie hen being split from the cockerel. I am not commited to keeping a cockerel and I think the neighbours will be glad. Dave is going back to the farm this week!

 

It's working out well as I am collecting a new chicken on Saturday anyway. I can swop Dave for a pol columbian blacktail, goldline, black rock, or calder ranger and can then integrate the new two with the speckeldy and remaining silkie hen.

 

3 eggs a day! Can't wait.

Amanda