Raising chickens can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to do your research before buying chicks. Unfortunately, one common issue that many first-time chicken owners encounter is not being able to determine the gender of their chicks. This can be a problem if you’re not prepared to keep roosters, as they can cause issues with noise and aggression.
I was thrilled to finally have 12 adorable chicks to call my own. My family and I couldn’t wait to watch them grow and eventually enjoy the fruits of our labor in the form of fresh eggs. However, our excitement was short-lived when we found out that the hatchery we ordered from couldn’t guarantee the sex of the chicks. We soon discovered that some of them were roosters, and we were faced with the question of what to do with them.
In this article, we’ll explore some options for what to do with roosters that you weren’t expecting.
Research before you buy
First things first, before buying chicks, it’s essential to do your research. Understand the breed you’re interested in, and know the differences between males and females. Some breeds are easier to sex than others, but in general, it’s hard to determine the sex of a chick until they’re a few weeks old. Be prepared for the possibility of getting roosters, even if you’ve ordered only pullets.
Only Buy Pullets
One way to reduce the risk of getting roosters is to only buy pullets. While this may not guarantee that you won’t get any roosters, your chances are better. Additionally, research can help you understand the needs of your specific breed and how to properly care for them, ensuring they grow up healthy and happy.
Consider butchering
If you’re comfortable with the idea of butchering, it’s an option to cull the roosters yourself. However, keep in mind that this can be a difficult and emotional process for some people. Make sure you have the proper equipment and knowledge before attempting this. There are plenty of resources available online or through local agricultural extension offices that can help you learn how to properly slaughter and process chickens.
Rehome them
Another option is to rehome the roosters. Many people are looking for roosters for their backyard flocks, and you can often find them on sites like Craigslist or local chicken groups on Facebook. Additionally, some feed stores will take unwanted roosters, so it’s worth calling around to see if any in your area will do so. You can also try reaching out to friends or neighbors who may be interested in taking them off your hands.
Use no crow collars
If you’re not ready to rehome or cull your roosters, you can try using no crow collars. These collars are designed to reduce the volume of a rooster’s crow and can be an effective solution for keeping your neighbors happy. Keep in mind that these collars should only be used temporarily, as they can be uncomfortable for the bird and cause injury if not fitted correctly. Make sure to research and understand how to properly use them before trying them out.
Create a Bachelor Pad
If you can’t bear to part with your roosters just yet, you can create a separate living space for them. A “bachelor pad” can be a small coop with a bigger run. Make sure to block off visual sight with the main rooster or they’ll continue to try and fight through the fencing to get at each other.
Don’t get too attached
It can be easy to get attached to your chicks, especially if you’re raising them from a young age. However, if you’re planning on rehoming or culling your roosters, it’s best not to get too attached to the friendliest ones. It’s been found that the bravest and most friendly chicks often turn out to be roosters, so be prepared for this possibility and don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment.
Conclusion
Getting roosters when you didn’t want them can be a frustrating experience. However, there are several options available for dealing with them, including rehoming, butchering, or using no crow collars. Remember to do your research before buying chicks to better understand the breed and sex differences. And if you do end up with roosters, don’t get too attached, and be prepared to take action. Happy chicken keeping!
