The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: nettie on July 03, 2012, 02:34:04 pm
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:-\
Would anyone be interested in these
they were hatched by local school children this easter but they are now getting a bit "cocky"
would really hate to see they fight each other
We did have 2 hens but would dearly love some more if anyone has any offers
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School dinners! :innocent:
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Dispatch them so the kids then know where their food comes from, this should have been thought out before hatching any. That may sound harsh but its part of poultry keeping.
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Not an easy one I'm afraid. :(
I think it will be quite difficult to find homes for them. This is always the problem when hatching and you do really need to have a plan for surplus cockerels before you hatch. Most people on here will probably have surplus cockerels of their own to deal with. I did read somewhere that one or two chicken rescue places will sometimes take cockerels - you could try googling these.
Sorry can't think of anything else - only the obvious.
Posting at the same time as Fowlman and yes, although hard sometimes, it is part of what happens and should be discussed with children as part of that educational activity.
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hey nettie,
where abouts are you i am looking for a warren cockrel not sure about all six though may be a possibility
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I'm with Fowlman.
Dispatch them so the kids then know where their food comes from, this should have been thought out before hatching any. That may sound harsh but its part of poultry keeping.
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Thank you for the reponses
just one of those things as all were spoken for had they been females :-[
We were happy to take them on at our stables for the school thinking someone would come forward that could dispatch them and enjoy a nice sunday roast but have asked all over and no one seems interested.
Personally I am not worried about them being eaten but cannot kill them myself.
they have been free rangeon 10 acres and spend the night in a stable so had a good upbringing
littlelugs we are in Birmingham ..hope thats of use :fc:
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ahhh bit too far for me am afraid would have taken them off your hands had you been nearer
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Where abouts are you as travel around most of the uk with my job
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they have been free rangeon 10 acres and spend the night in a stable so had a good upbringing
Mmmm - free ranging cockerels tend to be tougher and gamier I understand......
I agree with Fowlman et al - the children should experience the whole life of the chicken - not just the fluffy cute bits.
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Would like to add am in total agreement with children should be told where there food comes from but these were toddlers so a little too young to explan too I feel
I guess there are destind to be doggie dinner .. is there anyone in the midlands area who would mind dispatching them for me please
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......but these were toddlers so a little too young to explan too I feel
Yes - I think the PTA would be up in arms :) - so probably not the best idea ::) ::)
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Not sure what your feelings are about keeping them long term at your stables ???
If there are no hens around, the cockerels may not fight (apart from the odd skirmish), if this is what you are concerned about.
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im in south wales my OH is travelling to ratby Leicstershire 18th this mth so maybe could arrange something if you havent got a solution by then
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The trouble is we have 2 little hens and this week they have started grapping and pecking them so have had to separate them .. so now have to leave either or shut in all day so am now alternating the days out :-\
If it helps I work in bristol most days if that helps .. otherwise have car will travel :eyelashes:
following onfrom the other thread about cockerals for the pot .. perhaps leave boys in stable from now on and fatten them up more ..so that means girlies can go out :thumbsup:
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they have been free rangeon 10 acres and spend the night in a stable so had a good upbringing
Mmmm - free ranging cockerels tend to be tougher and gamier I understand......
I agree with Fowlman et al - the children should experience the whole life of the chicken - not just the fluffy cute bits.
Yep - I can confrim that our freeranging warrens were NOT tasty (we had 4 cockrels out of 4 eggs last year and had to munch our way reluctantly through all!! Coq au vin made them slightly less disgusting!!!). . Actually looking forward to some cockrels out of current batch of light sussex, but will be keeping them in a bit more to 'fatten up'. Good luck.
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I see .... no, I don't think you could keep all the cockerels with only 2 hens. You are doing right to keep them apart as young cockerels will all grab one hen and try to tread her and can cause injury or worse.
Perhaps you could keep one if you like having a cockerel around.
Good luck with homes for the others :fc:
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Well, I have eaten a number of free-range cockerels in my time, Fi, and the secret, I think, is to hang the boys for a day or two and then do a long slow cook to tenderise and soften all gristley tendony bits. Roasting or grilling won't work, nor will a stove-top quick casserole or curry. But there's no reason warrens should be any less tasty than any other breed.
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But there's no reason warrens should be any less tasty than any other breed.
I'm sure I read somewhere that Black Rock hybrids taste disgusting - can't find the ref now and, of course, it may be complete poultry manure... :)
Sue
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Where are you hun?
I could get someone to dispatch them for you if you are near here?