Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[beckyfitz]

When I hatched our first batch of chicks I knew we would only be able to keep two space-wise. I was prepared for this, thought we'd probably ahve half a dozen hatch & some would go to friends.

Unfortunately only 3 hatched & one is a cockeral... and we love him!!!

They are well bonded, beautiful chicks, 8 weeks today & growing fast, another few weeks & I will start introducing the m to the adults, they have already met through the 'bars'.

We really can't house a third one in sleeping quarters, (unless they roost above the ducks??) & we really can't keep a cockeral in our built up area.

I'm wondering if he can be 'boxed' at night & brought inside which would also solve the sleeping problem? Only I know that Cocks can have a tendancy to crow all day long which my neighbours won't like either...

... I think he will have to go

Becky x

[vickichicky]

....have a feeling I'm going to end up in a similar situation! Got eggs going into the Incubator tomorrow - my first go at hatching. Very aware that I'm going to end up with unwanted Cockerels - and have 2 possible places to re-home them, but I'm dreading falling in love with them before they are old enough to go!

Hopefully if I know they are going to a good home I'll be ok....

Roosting above your ducks should be ok as long as there is something to stop droppings landing on them, but I reackon you'll have a constant battle getting him to go in there rather than squishing in with his girls. I re-homed a cockeral due for the dinner table a couple of years ago, but had to re-home him again though as he would NOT leave the girls alone being a young male in his prime. It was fine when they were out free ranging but when they were in the run it was far too full on. My girls are much happier being spinsters - I shall just have to keep reminding myself of that when the cockerals emerge!...

Good luck x

[craftyhunnypie]

Are you friendly with all your neighbours? If so ask them out right how they would react to a cockerel & even invite them round for a face to face introduction with your cutie cockerel. With a bit of luck they might like him & you might be surprised to find that they won't mind the sound of him. It's worth a try! My neighbours all worry if they don't hear mine - they all love them & ask about them. Thy even provide their treats!

Good luck.

Emma.x