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DianeB

stray cockerel - advice please!

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Hi there,

 

We've had travellers on the playing field next to our land for the last month, and they've had a few chickens and a couple of cockerels, although we never had any problems with them (the chickens, that is, not the travellers...). However, the travellers left on Saturday, taking their run and hens with them, but left behind a cockerel, which has now found its way into our garden. I was pretty annoyed with it yesterday as it was pecking around our hens' run all day, but now I just feel rather sorry for it (well, not at 5 am I didn't). Our hens free range in their own little fenced-off area during the day, and he's just wandering around the outside of the fence. My hens are very well-bred, so they're not taking any notice of him at all! Don't know if it would be able to get over the fence, not sure he's bright enough to realise. I don't know if I'll ever be able to catch him, as I can't get nearer than about 10 feet from him at the moment. Last night it disappeared through the hedge back to the playing field - amazed it survived, obviously any foxes round here are a bit slow on the uptake. So, a bit of a dilemma as to what to do. Hubby away this week, and children not exactly helpful when it comes to rounding up a cockerel. If I did manage to catch him, what on earth do I do with him? We live in rural Norfolk, by the way, so not like the neighbours are up in arms or anything as a lot of them have their own chickens anyway.

 

Not really expecting a solution, just feel the need to let someone know my dilemma!

 

Diane

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Yes - don't corner him as he would feel threatened & could jump at you. Poor thing.I'd tempt him with some corn, then quickly throw a sheet over him. Whilst under the sheet I'd put a rabbit run over him or similar if you have one - so that he is safe. I'd then pull the sheet off carefully & phone any local sancturys - if you are unable to keep him. I wouldn't always ring the RSPCA - they are not always very helpful.

Good luck!

Emma.x

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I wouldn't bother with the RSPCA either - I once called them for a muntjak buck that had been run over but was still alive. After 6 hours I called my equine vet who came and put it to sleep for nothing. When I complained they didn't even bother to reply :x . Do you have a local wildlife rescue ? They may help :D

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