Chicken advise

OnTheGame

I've just acquired 4 light sussex pullets which i plan to keep as layers. I also plan on breeding these to increase numbers and plan to keep the roosters for meat. They are 14 weeks old and combs are small and are not yet laying. Im wondering as to the best time to introduce a rooster to them and of what age? Any other advise greatly apreciated.

moonshadow

Introduce the rooster very slowly.....seperated by a chicken wire fence for at least a week.If the rooster is mature he will literally flitter the hens so i would not get one till they are mature,Roosters are in my opinion a nuisence had two got shut of both,layers are much happier and no freakin noise

darrcow

i breed light sussex hens along with other breeds as well. i have found it is best not to breed with hens in there first year as the chicks can sometimes be weak and you may find alot die. light sussex is a great bird as they lay very well and if you fatten the unwanted roosters they are great eating.

OnTheGame

Thanks guys!

Boardnashea

I agree with above Moonshadow; More trouble than they're worth. Could you borrow one for a few weeks when you want? If he spent a month with the girls, would that be enough to collect eggs to hatch? I have just gotten rid of a beautiful Marran cock which was agressive to anyone who came into the run. Has been replaced by a even more beautiful Rhode Island Red which needed a home - I'm told he is gentle and friendly! I'm holding my breath for a little while.

Markcheese

How do fatten a rooster, I've a few light Sussex hens and they are exactly that ... Light.. I presume heavy Sussex if they're around are more dual purpose....
I know roosters were castrated ( caponized. ? ) in the past can't have been an easy or fun job.

Boardnashea

Update on my last worries. Mojo the Rhode Island Red Rooster arrived and is very good temprement. Not much noise but he is certainly able to do his work! We now have 17 birds in the run. I need more space.

darrcow

Markcheese wrote: »

How do fatten a rooster, I've a few light Sussex hens and they are exactly that ... Light.. I presume heavy Sussex if they're around are more dual purpose....
I know roosters were castrated ( caponized. ? ) in the past can't have been an easy or fun job.

if you want to fatten your hens/roosters for eating feed them normally but with extra mashed potato or flaked maized mixed with a little warm water to make it softer