[docsal]

Our Indian Games are doing great - 2 hens and a spectacularly handsome cockerel, 4 months old now. He is beginning to exhibit 'cockerel' behaviour - strutting and on alert if anyone ventures near. Not at all aggressive though and 'honks' like a goose occasionally - maybe practising for crowing??

2 bits of advice please......
I am guessing we will have to get more ladies to keep numbers right?
Also, is it ok to feed cockerels layers pellets? Are they too high in calcium? As it is, all my birds have loads of ground to free range on and I estimate they only eat about 50% of the ready made feed a penned bird would eat.

Thanks in advance
Sally

[Marches Farmer]

Some cockerels will favour one hen, no matter how many they're running with.  I generally run 4 to 5 hens with a cockerel if I want hatching eggs.  If you want to breed them layers pellets are fine for now but you might consider switching to a breeding ration ready for hatching in Spring.

[docsal]

Thank you!