Help with a Cockerel / Rooster

  • Thread starter Thread starter Anonymous
  • Start date Start date
A

Anonymous

Guest
Hi, can anyone help me please? A month ago, a 'chicken' appeared in my garden. I don't know where this chicken came from ( I live in a small village, so presumably locally ) and it seemed very happy just pecking away. As it was nearly dark and I didn't want it getting eaten by the local fox, I decided I would take the risk of putting it in with my chickens. I was very surprised at how well it settled in with no fighting etc. In fact my chickens just stood back and let it in. My chickens are Amber Lee. This chicken I think is a Speckledy. To date they all get along just fine. Then yesterday I discovered it is a cockerel as it decided to crow. I also still do not know who it belongs to or where it came from as no notices have been placed locally, and noone has owned up to it yet! I have continued to care for it. Assuming it will be with us indefinately which I do not have a problem with, I wondered when it is likely to fertilize my hens and if so, when they may be likely to hatch the eggs.

Any advice would be great as this is new to me!

Many thanks
 
Hi There,

If the cockerel is mating with your hens, then you should have fertile eggs.
To hatch them, you will either need a broody hen (unlikely at this time of year) or you will need to artificially incubate them. If you don't have an incubator, then maybe someone you know with chickens might be able to help.

As for the cockerel, I would assume ownership, but if you wanted to put your mind at rest, you could try a few notices at your local shop/vets/public notice board to say you've found him.

Good luck
 
Thanks for your advice. Got a feeling he was no longer wanted therefore left to wander. I will probably wait until the Spring to see if the hens go broody
 
Poor boy , probably kicked out by someone who couldnt be bothered to rehome/cull when he started to crow.Well done for taking him in. I somehow doubt he will be reclaimed. Ros
 
I'd say a very lucky cockerel as he's found a caring home with you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Back
Top