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Hi, I have a broody hen who has hatched 2 light Sussex chicks. They are around 5weeks old and one of them has far more dark hackle feathers and larger and redder comb. Also beginnings of wattles which I can't see on the other one. I'm not able to keep a cockerel although I'd have loved to (neighbours wouldn't appreciate). So if it does turn out to be a boy, and anyone is interested, I would be happy to give him free of charge to a good home. I live close to Liskeard, and would be happy to transport him if not too far. Thanks for your time.
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Update
Definitely a cockerel, he started crowing today.Well, when I say crowing I mean a strangled squeak but he's trying so hard and he looks very pleased with himself. So please try and find a place in your heart for little Geoff . As I said before, he will be free to good home and I'm happy to bring him to you in Cornwall. -
I think most chicken keepers will be having the same problem and he will be very lucky to find a home.
feeding him up to eat may be your only option.
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Yes, I have this in the back of my mind. He's such a little character, I'd just love to give him a chance. Well I've learnt 2 lessons, 1. Don't rely on someone saying send me a pic...oh yes , definitely 2 girls. 2.DONT NAME THEM!Originally posted by Scarlet View PostI think most chicken keepers will be having the same problem and he will be very lucky to find a home. feeding him up to eat may be your only option.
Oh and 3. Don't hatch anymore.
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You are lucky it was one of each. I had a load of eggs hatch once - 8 boys , 1 girl . It's not a nice thought but when you've done the deed once it does get easier. If you eat meat anyway, you will have given him a better life than he would have elsewhere. Home reared birds aren't pumped full of water so you need a much smaller portion than you require from "supermarket" birds.
Sorry, I'm not much help really!Comment
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Thanks for your advice Scarlet.We have dispatched and eaten one of our girls before (she was very aggressive to the others and we could't rehome her) but somehow we can't bring ourselves to do the same with this one. I think its because we saw him hatch and grow. But not to worry,we've found him a home.I'M SO HAPPY! So, my next question to you all is when should I send him to his new home. He's going to live with some newly acquired pullets ( lucky boy) He seems totally independent of Mum now, but he's only 8 weeks old and I don't want him to get bullied by his new wives. I know I can Google this, but you guys give such good advice. Thanks in advance
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Lucky boy!
How old are the girls he will be going in with? You need them to be a similar size really and eating the same food.
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They are POL. So maybe pack him off when his sister starts laying?Comment
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Daft question time but can a cockrel be de hooted by a vet?I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. Thomas A. Edison
Outreach co-ordinator for the Gnome, Pixie and Fairy groups within the Nutters Club.Comment
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