[NicandChic]

A van & some guys rolled up around 2 hours ago looking for scrap metal - we've tonnes so they are busy loading vans, (because I'm nice I gave them 6 duck eggs)...30mins later another van rolls up with a cockerel!....he's currently strutting about my yard like he's always been here!

I don't want to seem rude....so he's here to stay! 

I've got 11 eggs in the incubator at the moment - 5 days in & I can see them developing when candled! (Hopefully be a few hens if I'm very lucky)

Sooo....any advice for my new addition, we have no hens/ girlfriends as of yet just 2 ducks!

I have layers pellets & barley to feed plus fresh veggies, and free range worms, bugs, grasses etc!

I'm guessing he would be happier kept with hens? Or will he be fine just wondering about?

Ideally he will be free range during the day as are the ducks then in a barn during night, would that suit him or would he be best in a shed with outdoor access?

Any advice would be much appreciated however small (I need to check him over for mites etc?) and get him wormed! Anything health wise I should look out for?

Who said living on a farm would be easy 

[doganjo]

You're doing fine, free range in the daytime, a little pellets to top up what he grazes on and a safe place at night - and don't let the chicks near him till they are a good size; (I would say until they are about 12 weeks old,  so another 14 weeks yet) so why not get him a couple of lady friends in the meantime?  Maybe rescue ones?

[NicandChic]

Thanks doganjo.

He certainly wasn't part of my plan! But all new additions welcomed with open arms 

[Rosemary]

If you're lucky, the fox will get him tonight 

[suziequeue]

Well - there's two equally good options as far as I see it - keep or eat.

Having said that, I was surprised at how our hens took to having a cockerel around. We kept one on from our 2012 hatch and he really has pulled the flock together - such that we have three now (to manage 24 hens) and it works well. I wouldn't be without one or two now.

[doganjo]

If you're lucky, the fox will get him tonight 

You BAD lady 

[NicandChic]

Well their is no way he's going in a barn tonight, I can't get near him, he runs like the wind, spent close to an hour trying to find him, he's currently wondering round a neighbouring field, I've flung out some barley & pellets round the yard so I guess he may be back if not I will of attracted an array of other wildlife 
Hubby says he's use to living & roosting out at night! So Rosemary you may well be right 

[Marches Farmer]

Beware of Greeks bearing gifts!  This particular Trojan horse could be carrying something much nastier than lice.  I'd advise worming, checking for lice and keeping him away frm your girls for a while.

[doganjo]

If he can fly up into a tree he'll be fine - looks like you may need to get some ladies some time to bring him down to earth 

[NicandChic]

Ive got no chance of getting hold of him, tried throwing some barley at him (unless he's got eyes in the back of his head  ) he kept running! I'm blaming hubby for just letting him loose before I could check him over 

[NicandChic]

The only photo I have & as close as I could get!

[Q]

you will find out where he is at about 4.30am tomorrow   

[NicandChic]

you will find out where he is at about 4.30am tomorrow   

   

[Cheviot]

Hi,
Looks like he's running across the ceiling  .
He could be some sort of game bird, he is beautiful colours.
Regards
Sue

[NicandChic]

Yes he's lovely looking from what I could see 

Maybe a welsummer?