Unsecure chicken perches

[Nicola O]

Lily's babies are now 16 weeks old and when I let everyone out to FR today I realised that the three boys hormones had kicked in. Two were chasing their sister around the garden, leaping on her and being rather.....erm.....amorous (the other was trying it on with every one else ). The poor girl was terrified, constantly running away from them, at one point she found an empty plastic flower pot laying on it's side and tried to crawl in it - but unfortunately it left the bit of her that the boys were interested in poking out.

 

So, I've taken the plunge and moved Lily and the girl chick into the cube run with the others, Lily was in there before she moved out to have her babies and she has wanted to go back for a while but I kept her with her chicks so I didn't have to introduce the girl to them on her own. Things have been quiet this afternoon, no pecking or nastiness, just uncomfortable stares and everyone keeping out of everybody elses way - I hope it stays that way tomorrow.

 

The most dominant boy has discovered his voice as well as his hormones today - he was crowing before but not too bad, but today he has suddenly become really loud so he will be going on Monday as I don't wont to upset the neighbours.

 

Nicola.

[Mollie333]

So have time! Was soo surprised to see a Brahma around 15 wks 'mount' one of my Ex batts, he is still a baby!

[Alis girls]

Sounds like my son of 15

[surfer_chicken]

Mine are 17 weeks old now and have been trying it on with the ladies for a couple of weeks now. They've only just realised that they won't win the girls over by jumping out and grabbing them by surprise and have been dancing for them One of them has also been making the a noise whenever he finds something nice and all the girls come running over to eat it. It's similar to the noise my broody made when she was teaching the chicks what food was- so cute!

 

 

Sounds like my son of 15

 

[Forestchook]

To start with my baby boys only got as far as grabbing their sister, but didn't know what to do next. So of course she just squawked a lot and dragged them around until they let go. They seem to have worked it out now not that she cooperates.

N

[Nicola O]

I'm pleased to report that Lily and girl chick, who I've christened Gladys (after a dear, old, lovely neighbour from a few years ago) have settled really well into the cube. There has been no pecking or bullying at all, it's as if they have always been in there (well, I know Lily was before).

 

Noisy boy went to the butcher and came back weighing just under 3lb (not bad for a bird just 16 weeks old, or so the buther tells me). The butcher was so nice and reassured me about everything, especially the 'deed' itself.

 

The two remaining boys are not as noisy yet and also have a deeper crow (noisy boy was very high pitched and shrill) so hopefully they can stay for a while longer. Today they all came out to freerange for the first time since Saturday and fortunately didn't try to maul any of the girls , much better manners than last time.

 

Nicola

[Nicola O]

Well, boy number two has gone to the butcher leaving the one little chap on his own. The one who has gone was getting very amorous with Lily and Doris (as they are the only ones still laying at the mo.) and very noisy.

 

So I took the plunge and moved the last boy in with the 3 ex-bats in the . I didn't think it was fair leaving him living on his own and thought the ex-bats would be better as A) I think they have a bit more room than the six in the cube (both cube and classic have two extensions on them), B) the ex-bats are not as dominant as the big girls in the cube, and C) none of them are laying anymore so hopefully he won't be pestering them.

 

He is a bit shocked and stunned at the moment, and they did chase him round the run so he went and hid in the house. I hope I've done the right thing and they settle soon.

 

Nicola

[Gloss-Hen]

my cockeral ambushs the choocks when they feed

[Nicola O]

my cockeral ambushs the choocks when they feed

 

Nothing like that from this little one yet as he was the least dominant of the three boys, and def. the quieter one (though I'm sure he'll 'develop' now he is the only boy) but the ex-batts have kept him in his place today. There were only half a dozen little squabbles as he kept out of their way most of the time, but he has been eating/drinking OK, and he hasn't crowed once today (not that he crowed much before).......I think the move has shocked him into silence . I do hope he stays quiet as he is the pretty one I would love to be able to keep if possible.

 

Nicola.

[chuckmum6]

We have a very randy cock Onion, he is always amorous first thing in the morning, so much so he was busy treading one of my 14wk old growers, who is a boy! They both looked rather confused !!!!! Edited November 11, 2011 by Guest

[surfer_chicken]

We have a very randy cock Onion, he is always amorous first thing in the morning, so much so he was busy treading one of my 14wk old growers, who is a boy! They both looked rather confused!!!!!

 

My boy is very amorous first thing in the morning- but not that bad! Doesn't give his ladies a chance to eat breakfast though

[chuckmum6]

Unfortunately surfer_chicken, Onion has no manner's, the girls (and young cockerel now) aren't keen to leave the cube in the morning because of him. Onion rushes around all fluffed up like a turkey, rattling his feathers, he hops up and down the cube ladder trying to entice them out. When they do emerge it is just like a scene from Benny Hill, once the chase is over then they can have breakfast in peace, his is a bad boy in the morning!