| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| texdane |
Posted - May 19 2015 : 1:35:55 PM
Hi girls,
A year and a half ago I got my first chicks from a neighbor whose chicken had nineteen babies. I got four and have raised them since they were days old. I love them. Their antics keep me smiling, the eggs are fabulous and I fuss over them like a mother hen. I have three girls and a rooster, all with names and personalities. I know, a true farmer wouldn't get so attached but I'm a Farmgirl not a farmer. Farmgirls who read my blog know how much I love my chickens.
Here's my dilemma. My roo has been hurting one of my girls. He's got long Spurs and since the long winter has been rough on my hens but one is not getting a break. I bought the stuff to stop pecking. She looks like Barney and smells like grape cough medicine! When it looks like her wings will heal, the next morning feathers are missing again! I've tried feeding my girls first in the morning but it seems to only make him angry.
Aside from pulling out the stew pot (which is the advice I get) is there something to be done to help her wings heal? I really don't want to get rid of my roo, he alerts us to fox and hawks trying to snack on tasty chickens! I think he's beautiful, but don't want him hurting my girls.
Any advice?
Farmgirl hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
| 16 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| texdane |
Posted - Jun 08 2015 : 09:03:37 AM
PS My daughter told me friends she had over were teasing my rooster through the fence when I didn't know it. She says she stopped them, but after that is when he spurred me. Wonder if that had something to do with it? She will not be allowed to have those kids over again. I will not tolerate that kind of behavior.
Not sure if that is coincidence or the reason his disposition changed.
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
| texdane |
Posted - Jun 08 2015 : 09:01:17 AM
Well, my foot is healing. I got worried as it was really hurting the other day. Started cleaning the wound several times a day and am on the mend.
I couldn't take Peep in the basement anymore. She was miserable, I was miserable and I think it upset the others, or maybe not. Not sure. Anyway, she looked pretty healed and not bloody. Put her in the coop. The others are still chasing her away at times, but it seems to be getting better.
Spot the Roo is still with us. He seems to have calmed down more. He gets very upset when the other two hens chase the third one. I am hoping things all settle down and we get back to the harmony we had last summer. The rooster has been better with me, but I am keeping my guard up. A friend who is a chicken farmer says to catch him and carry him around to show him who is boss. We shall see...
For now, things are better.
I do so love my chickens, even my roo.
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
| Song Sparrow |
Posted - Jun 01 2015 : 6:42:28 PM
Maybe he'll settle down when he gets a little older. How's your foot?
Peace in our hearts, peace in the world
Amy (Sister#6098) www.danaherandcloud.com
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| texdane |
Posted - Jun 01 2015 : 3:35:00 PM
Thanks Ally. So far, he is still with us. Hubby couldn't do it. We both are torn. Today, he was fine. I do keep my eye on him though. I couldn't grab him and try to hold him today...thunderstorms yesterday and today have made the yard and coop muddy and slippery.
Will keep you posted.
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
| AFinkberry |
Posted - May 31 2015 : 6:05:39 PM
Nicole,
I can understand where you're coming from. Surprisingly, when we did our rooster, I was sad as well because he was gorgeous and I didn't mind the crowing in the morning. I just want you to know that I feel ya!
*Hugs*
Ally
Farmgirl Sister #5672
"There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my heart are my temples; my philosophy is kindness." ~His Holiness the Dalai Lama |
| texdane |
Posted - May 30 2015 : 3:01:08 PM
Okay, so here is the update. Last night, I went to check on my flock as I always do, usually a couple of times a day. I did not go inside the fencing, I was near the fence, by my potting bench. Before I could react, he came at me THROUGH the fencing, and got me in the side of the foot (I had on sandals). It is a nasty looking albeit small puncture wound (that was sore today when I went hiking...had to go, it was a class thing). Anyway, this morning he came at me again. Now I know I need to be the boss and show him who is alpha, but he's got me spooked. Oh girls, what do I do about my beautiful roo? Peep is healing fine, though I think she is lonely. And she is still purple, lol. Most people say stock pot for Spot the rooster. I guess in my gut I know that is the thing I will have to do, but it is literally breaking my heart. I will miss his sounds and crows and how beautiful he is.
We shall see. Sigh...
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
| rksmith |
Posted - May 28 2015 : 7:14:36 PM
You might try trimming his spurs and nails.
Rachel
Farmgirl Sister #2753
True enlightenment is nothing but the nature of one's own self being fully realised-- His Holiness the Dali Lama
http://rachelsmithhhp.com
www.madameapothecary.com |
| hoosiercountry |
Posted - May 28 2015 : 05:03:43 AM
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| hoosiercountry |
Posted - May 28 2015 : 05:02:42 AM
Hi Nicole, I have to tell this story of when we lived in OK a few years back, one of my neighbors raised chickens for show, and to sell, also fighting birds, it's legal there. Anyway I went to buy some hens from him and there in this pen was one beautiful rooster, well he was one of his fighting roo's that was not good in the ring, so I begged to buy him, I got him for $10.00. Named him Roscoe, and he was the best boy I have ever had. He never once was aggressive to me, he would eat out of my hand, I had him 5 years. I often think of him when dealing with my boy now. How funny it is I had one bred to fight and he was gentle, I have one I raised and he is aggressive. Lol. Karla |
| texdane |
Posted - May 27 2015 : 7:00:34 PM
Karla, thanks for the advice. I don't shoo him with anything, either, because he just views me as a threat even more. You are right on the money... he was a year old in November. I am so glad I am not the only one who goes through this and feels this way with their roosters. I worry about his spurs...they are like knives and could send me to a hospital!
Amy, I will post some new pics tomorrow, I promise.
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
| hoosiercountry |
Posted - May 27 2015 : 12:20:42 PM
Hi Nicole, Glad to hear your hen is getting better, hear is an idea I have seen it advertised and also read about it, they make a shirt that fits on the hens when the rooster gets a little rough with them. It helps protect them. I have seen them in Backyard Chicken mag., but its been about a year or so.
Now for Mr. Roo's behavior, boy have I been down that road. In the past 5 years I have gone through 3 roosters just because when they get about 1 year old they got aggressive to me. I raised all 3 from young chicks, at different times not all 3 at once. I handled them gave them treats, talked and pampered them. Well when those male genes kicked in they turned on me. I did all I was told to do, the separate them, hold them, carry them around, and nothing worked. I learned not to kick, or hit them with the broom. I was told that only makes them want to fight you more, which made sense. The one I have now, Jimmy, also turned mean, he spurred me twice and bit me when I picked him up. I was tired of going through roosters, I did not like the idea of them going in the pot esp. when they are so pretty and you have raised them, so I figured out my own miracle cure, The Net. I have a fishing net with a long handle, after a few time in the net, well lets just say Jimmy does not like, The Net, and will run from me when I go in the pin with it in my hand. I'm not saying its a cure all but it does make a difference at lease he thinks twice before charging me. Hugs Karla |
| Song Sparrow |
Posted - May 26 2015 : 11:46:31 AM
So glad to hear your little hen is on the mend. I'm sure the extra attention and TLC from "mom" are part of the reason she's getting better! How about a picture?
Peace in our hearts, peace in the world
Amy (Sister#6098) www.danaherandcloud.com
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| texdane |
Posted - May 26 2015 : 06:03:59 AM
My girl is good. Her sore spots are healing. Can't wait to get her outside again.
Would love to hear from other roo/chicken owners.
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
| texdane |
Posted - May 22 2015 : 4:00:22 PM
Hi Lisa,
What I've ended up doing (a "chicken" friend came over to help) is put her in a little cage (still she has room to move around) like they use to show chickens at the 4H fairs. It has water and food. I put a stick through the cage so she can perch if she wants to, and put bedding at the bottom. At first I had her in the coop area, but he rooster kept trying to break open the cage and managed to pop it apart. SO she is inside. We will keep her inside a few days and take extra care of her. Once she heals better we will put her back with the flock. While she has wounds, the other girls kept picking at her. Keep you posted. He hasn't come after me in a few days, and I am told he should be better behaved with warmer weather. Oh Lisa, he is so beautiful I would be sad to have to send him to the stew pot!
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
| nubidane |
Posted - May 22 2015 : 3:35:09 PM
Oh Nicole!
I don't have any advice. I just know sometimes roos can turn. My neighbor's roo did just that a few months ago. It was abusing her hen, and then went after her.
No stew pot, but met the same end.
I just got my first roo, and he is such a gentleman. I pray he stays that way.
Good luck. Not sure what to tell you, but hopefully someone will check in that has better advice.
"We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.” – R.R. |
| texdane |
Posted - May 22 2015 : 2:26:20 PM
Okay...anyone have advice? Thoughts?
I think I may seperate her because it looks like the others won't let her eat...but will putting her by herself be more harmful?
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
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