I have one rooster and five hens that refuse to stay with the rest of the flock and wander all day long. It started when they were 4-5 months old and we let them out of the nursery coop to join the rest of the flock. They soon learned (because they are game fowl) that they were light enough to fly over the run fence. At first I thought it was cute and we could find a way to contain them. My husband raised the run fence to six feet and still they can get out. I know most folks would recommend to clip their feathers so they cannot fly out. Hubby is against this because a month ago we had a chicken attacked by a predator and he wants them to be able to fly away if needed for defense. For the most part they hang around our house and don't bother the neighbors, but occasionally they do wander off. We currently have our hen, Betty, sitting on 8 eggs that will hatch this week. It has finally come down to decision making time - find a home for them or harvest them for the freezer. The rooster is beautiful and we would hate to harvest him, but you have to do what is best for everyone and his time may be short on this small homestead.
Be sure to visit
The Barn Hop and check out all the great articles about homesteading, farming and living naturally.
3 comments:
Oh boy! :) Our girls love to attempt to fly. They get into absolutely everything. Can't wait to see photos of the new chicks when they come!!
Good luck! Those chickens do have a mind of their own :-)
Please don't 'harvest' him, he is so beautiful x
Post a Comment