Roobaloo Posted March 4, 2011 Share Posted March 4, 2011 Well, the time has come....we've received complaints about Oscar. So we're moving him to the stables. Not ideal as we don't live on-site but it's better than having such a beautiful bird destroyed. We're making him a big run...and will be making it as fox proof as humanly possible. The rest will be up to fate. At least he'll get a better chance of life! The problem is company. I know hens need company, can cockerels thrive alone? I know other species where the male will live alone until he finds a herd/pack/flock of his own...but there are those where the boys group together in a batchelor group.... What would be best? We don't really want a full flock down there (because of security) so we're looking at one other chicken. Would one-on-one be too much for one hen? Even if it was a bigger breed than him? ...any suggestions as to what - he's a LF Wyandotte!! Could he go with another cockerel? Would they fight as he previously has been with girls?? If they wouldn't, would they both crow or just the most dominant? Any suggestions welcome!! He has to move tonight, so the sooner we can get something sorted, the better!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roobaloo Posted March 4, 2011 Author Share Posted March 4, 2011 He's now alone and yelling his head off. Will just have to buy him some girls in the morning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 4, 2011 Share Posted March 4, 2011 A single companion will find his attentions exhausting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falkor Posted March 4, 2011 Share Posted March 4, 2011 A single companion will find his attentions exhausting. Spread the love Two of three hens of the same breed size should keep him busy but a few more couldn't hurt if space allows Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted March 4, 2011 Share Posted March 4, 2011 I found that cockerels who grew up together were perfectly happy living together, until spring arrived then they started fighting. He really does need a companion or two - preferably of the female variety. In terms of fox proofing, have you thought of electric fencing - the set up used by gamekeepers with single strands top and bottom? It might help you feel more confident about the security of your chooks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted March 4, 2011 Share Posted March 4, 2011 Have you tried muffling him in the shed/house etc. I am putting Freckles away every night in the with a sleeping bag and old rug over him in a shed. No-one has complained so far but I'm not complacent, I sleep with my window open and haven't heard him yet - I let him in with the banties at 8 am. However I feel so sorry for him all on his own that I am collecting 2 white pekins tomorrow The wedding is on Sunday Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roobaloo Posted March 4, 2011 Author Share Posted March 4, 2011 He's asleep alone in the eglu, which he would be by now anyway. We'll nip out first thing to get him some ladies. The OH said I could get two, might try to smuggle a third in...!! Have you tried muffling him in the shed/house etc. I am putting Freckles away every night in the with a sleeping bag and old rug over him in a shed. No-one has complained so far but I'm not complacent, I sleep with my window open and haven't heard him yet - I let him in with the banties at 8 am. We don't have a shed (it became the WIR!!) or a garage...the OH is terrified of him (bird phobia!!) so he's not allowed indoors! Plus, we're mid-terrace, so they'll still hear him (we can hear their daughter playing piano, the baby crying...and the parents shouting!) The stables will be easiest for all. In terms of fox proofing, have you thought of electric fencing - the set up used by gamekeepers with single strands top and bottom? It might help you feel more confident about the security of your chooks. Good idea! We use electric fencing for the horses so we'll add some more on!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted March 4, 2011 Share Posted March 4, 2011 I understand, good excuse for more chooks then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roobaloo Posted March 4, 2011 Author Share Posted March 4, 2011 Does mean I don't get my pekins though ...well, not yet anyway!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 Where are the pics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roobaloo Posted March 6, 2011 Author Share Posted March 6, 2011 Still on my camera...been too busy making a WIR to upload 'em!! Here's a couple of quick pic from my phone for now - Skyline http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/judziah172/f4dfff0d.jpg Rhode Star and Maran Cuvree (Robin and Raven) http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/judziah172/35d93677.jpg http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/judziah172/018383f3.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 Lovely girls - specically like the skyline, mine are mental though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 I'm sure Oscar will be delighted with the new "arrangements". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roobaloo Posted March 7, 2011 Author Share Posted March 7, 2011 I'm sure Oscar will be delighted with the new "arrangements". He is!! Because the new girls are younger, they're much more submissive...whereas the girls at home gave him a real hard time. They're following him round, taking his lead...So he's strutting around, pleased as punch!! He's trying to be a gentleman...but he's a bit clumsy and instead of impressing them, he ploughs straight into them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 I know what you mean, Freckles has no control over the older pekins - they just ignore him and he ends up wandering around the garden on his own The new girls are going in with him tonight so hopefully he'll be the boss and we will have some little frizzles running around By the way The Yard Gang sounds really Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roobaloo Posted March 7, 2011 Author Share Posted March 7, 2011 Awww! Bless him!! Hopefully the new girls will give him the adoration he deserves!! Fingers crossed for lots of frizzle chickies!! Yeah, I thought I'd give them a cool rep...step away from the reality of three confused chooks stood in a home-made WIR (I'm impressed with it but it's a far cry from the professionally made ones ) staring at the 3 giant 4-legged monsters (horses!!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 We once stabled overnight for an event and there were bantams living in the stables. They roosted on the edge of the manger - don't think Duke slept a wink Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 Just wondering how the Yard Gang are getting one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roobaloo Posted March 23, 2011 Author Share Posted March 23, 2011 They're really good, thank you!! Oscar is turning out to be a true gent, he's looking after his ladies...and he can shout his head off til his hearts content! The only downside is they're still in the empty hay barn so they're not getting to enjoy the beautiful weather...only the shafts of sunlight from the doors! Hopefully the area outside will be ready soon and they can be moved out into the fresh air!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
