Omlet cube and run

[nugga83]

Last weekend we ended up taking in what appeared to be a dumped/abandoned cockerel while at a wedding.

 

He is a bearded golden laced polish bantam cockerel, and we have put him in with our 6 hybrid ladies. That side of it is going well but he is a bit of a handful as he can be a bit aggressive towards me (particularly if I'm in dark trousers), and I assume he thinks I'm another hen or a cockerel? Any advice on how to manage this or explaination would be good!

 

He also will not put himself to bed with the girls, instead choosing to sit himself up on the fence (wings are not clipped) to go to sleep, so we then catch him after dark and plonk him in with the others anyway. Will he get the hang of the hen house?!? I have read his breed are suceptible to the cold so don't want to let him sleep out, and will build him his own personal box and screw to the fence if need be!

 

Any infromation on cockerel behaviour and characteristics or traits if this breed are much apppreciated! I would like to hold onto him if possible so would like to know a bit more!

 

Thanks!

[Patricia W]

Hi, he's just protecting his women. You need to respect that, but so that he knows you are boss, pick him up, put him under your arm, and walk around with him for a while each day. If he's aggressive to you, don't be aggressive back, but make him submit by pressing firmly but gently on his back. Then pick him up and walk around with him.

 

He will want to perch outside so he can guard the women in the house. Frankly, when Phillip did this, before we had the WIR and could leave him be, then we'd just pick him up and pop him to bed.

 

We've had Phillip for over 5 years and I wouldn't be without a cockerel now. Luckily the neighbours say they love hearing him- even if he does call sometimes at 3am!

[Patricia W]

PS Forgot to say, Phillip is a Polish Bantam too

[Lavenders_Blue]

No advice, but I'm fascinated to know how you came home from a wedding with a chicken?!

[chuckmum6]

I would echo the advice of carrying him about, I used to sit with mine and give him regualr cuddles, which he didn't like, so he kept his distance in case I got him for more! He didn't like me catching any of his harem, but would mutter out me out of reach, he didn't attack after the cuddles! I must say that the 12 girls don't miss him at all, poor Onion . Keep a check on his spurs though because they can hurt you and your girls.