lillybettybabs Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 Now one of last years hatch is showing signs of being a boy, He is very lucky as he is much wanted and if he turns out to be a good cockerel and the girls are good i may breed from them. He will be my first cockerel so i am wondering if there is anything different i might need to do for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 Not really, they are wonderfully straightforward in terms of practical care, except for crowing precautions He can eat the same as the rest of them and have the same care/worming regime. The only things to look out for are a)any bullying from any older hens when he is still a youngster and unable to cope b) unwanted aggression to you or sometimes a hen c)over-amorousness with one hen, sometimes they have favourites and that poor hen suffers broken feathers on her back or a bloody comb. You can use a poultry saddle if necessary. d)check he has enough hens. You can keep pairs or trios of course, and many breeders do, but in a backyard situation this can lead to the hens becoming worn out if the cockeral is extremely keen, its really just a case of observation e)crowing - he will crow and this may be a problem for you/neighbours. There are some solutions - usually involving putting him to bed separately somewhere soundproofed or a long way away f)if you progress to raising his chicks, then check how he is around youngstock, some boys make good Dads and some boys appear to think small birds might be edible or competition Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 Has he 'come out' then Karen? No, as Daphne has said, nothing different needed in terms of care, just make sure he has enough wives to spread his favours among, and that he doesn't develop a favourite girl. I hope he'll be doodling next time I see him Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted March 8, 2012 Author Share Posted March 8, 2012 Thanks, I'm handling him everyday whilst he is young - Fran seems to be ok with him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 Perhaps he might settle her down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 What a lucky boy he is lillybettybabs. Lucky you too. You may find that next winter, if he has a large comb, it will benefit him if you put a bit of ointment on it so he does not get forst bit. Flyte so Fancy supply this Poultry Comb and wattle Protector which is a less messy alternative to vaseline. Other than that and the adivce already provided to ensure that he has enough girls (mine has 8 ) then just enjoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 took my girls about 2 weeks to knock Boris into shape he knows who's the boss and it ain't him he knows he's suppossed to sort out the disputs but he always gets there just a littles bit late one thing I've noticed is he dose miss out on his fair share of treats as the girls muscle in on him or plain steel them off him Cockerels certainly add to a flock Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emmastar Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 Doodle my boy has taken a liking to all my bantie girls and even had a try with ellie the swift bounce round and tall stance from her ( and the look on her ) said it all he hasnt tryed to take on the big ladies again , If evie was ever a target of his affection he would vanish into her vast ploumage so hears hoping not Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted March 9, 2012 Author Share Posted March 9, 2012 I think this one is going to be hen pecked - I caught Jo sitting on him as he was trying to bath. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted March 9, 2012 Share Posted March 9, 2012 The females will run rings round him for now He will get his own back when he matures Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
