Rocky's Replacement Rooster

So the Women folk finally had their pow-wow and internet shopping fun and decided we needed a new rooster. This time one of those Americauna (or however it's spelled) types. They also got another hen of that breed to go with him. Since it was cold and drizzling rain today I never did get out and take a picture of him so I stole the one above off the internet but it looks a lot like him.

I slowly began introducing the new rooster and hen to the flock this weekend. I kept them in a huge crate inside the coop on the first day. Closed off the coop and let them stretch their legs a bit then let them out into general population at roost time Sunday night. This morning they were just allowed out like all the other birds.

First thing I noticed is this new rooster is not even half the size of the giant Rocky. He is barely, if any, larger than the hens and the girls were not taking any of his shit either. Even the smaller Red Sex-links were not afraid to match him mock peck for mock peck. They also were doing something I never saw Rocky mess around with that included a lot of jumping over each other. If a hen had the rare nerve to resist Rocky's advances he would pounce on them like an eagle eating a mouse while this little rooster seems to take it as a courting ritual or something. After a couple of neck flaring jumps the hens actually seemed to settle into the ritual like it was fun or something and I never even noticed a stray feather flying around before, during or after the whole display.

After a couple of hours this new guy was even out doing the old scratch and call "I found food" routine and attempting to show his usefulness to the hens. His crow is about one tenth the volume of Rocky's, which I hafta admit I kinda liked Rocky's loud "I am in charge" crow and miss it, and sounds like he is attempting to crow with his beak full of rocks or chicken scratch.

I read where these roosters can have a mean streak too so I will keep my eye on him. Like I said roosters are a dime a dozen around here so I won't hesitate to off one and try again until we find one that truly works out for us. The only grumpy animal allowed on this farm besides the ram (And him and I have an understanding) is me thank you very much. There is no reason for a rooster to get aggressive towards humans around here since we treat them very well and give them all the room they could ever possibly want. I could kinda understand if we kept them captive 24 hours a day but honestly except for going down there and opening/closing the door the only interaction we have with the chickens is when they decide mostly. It ain't my fault the hens follow me around like pet dogs and half of em want to hang out on my mom's front porch all day. I can't even start the tractor up without six to eight hens running around all under it and then they follow me where ever I go.

Let me tell you brush hogging and hay cutting/raking is going to be an experience this year. I already had to take an extra long round about path to brush hog the first time to get away from the chickens before engaging the PTO.

Anyway we will see if this new guy works out if not I wonder if his breed tastes any different?

Keep Prepping Everyone!!!!!!!