Randysflock119
In the Brooder
- Apr 24, 2024
- 25
- 28
- 44
Hi BYC family!
I am looking to replace my rooster (my sweet Randy was lost to a raccoon about 2 weeks ago) I live in an area with HEAVY predator pressure - main offenders are owls, hawks, foxes, raccoons, and coyotes. Since Randy died, I’ve already had 3 hens get eaten by a Fox
So I’m looking for a rooster that is 1. Big, 2. Protective, 3. Cold-hardy and somewhat heat-tolerant (northern IL). I need a rooster that can potentially take on a hawk, but also isn’t going to chase me around.
I originally was looking for a Barred Rock rooster, and I did find one. But I also encountered a hatchery that doesn’t have BRs but offered a Malines. Then I got kind of interested in the Malines - similar look, and I like that they’re so big.
Now I’m deciding between these two breeds - I have options for a started cockerel of each breed. Can anyone tell me some of the differences of these two? The Malines is kind of hard to find info on. I’ve seen some say that BRs are agressive, and loud, others say they’re quiet and docile. I know at the end of the day, it just depends on the individual bird, but I’m looking for help deciding. Thank you!
Edit: for reference, after 3 back-to-back predator attacks, I have only 4 hens left - an Easter Egger, a Welsummer, and 2 Buff Orpingtons. I’m planning to add one or two pullets to the flock this summer for a total of 5 or 6 hens and 1 roo.
I currently have a coop/covered run/open pen setup that was built by the previous owners of my house. I’m planning to switch to an Omlet coop and walk-in run situation within the next month. The predators have figured out all the weaknesses of this set-up and it’s easier to start from scratch than it is to continue to try to improve this one.
I am looking to replace my rooster (my sweet Randy was lost to a raccoon about 2 weeks ago) I live in an area with HEAVY predator pressure - main offenders are owls, hawks, foxes, raccoons, and coyotes. Since Randy died, I’ve already had 3 hens get eaten by a Fox
So I’m looking for a rooster that is 1. Big, 2. Protective, 3. Cold-hardy and somewhat heat-tolerant (northern IL). I need a rooster that can potentially take on a hawk, but also isn’t going to chase me around.
I originally was looking for a Barred Rock rooster, and I did find one. But I also encountered a hatchery that doesn’t have BRs but offered a Malines. Then I got kind of interested in the Malines - similar look, and I like that they’re so big.
Now I’m deciding between these two breeds - I have options for a started cockerel of each breed. Can anyone tell me some of the differences of these two? The Malines is kind of hard to find info on. I’ve seen some say that BRs are agressive, and loud, others say they’re quiet and docile. I know at the end of the day, it just depends on the individual bird, but I’m looking for help deciding. Thank you!
Edit: for reference, after 3 back-to-back predator attacks, I have only 4 hens left - an Easter Egger, a Welsummer, and 2 Buff Orpingtons. I’m planning to add one or two pullets to the flock this summer for a total of 5 or 6 hens and 1 roo.
I currently have a coop/covered run/open pen setup that was built by the previous owners of my house. I’m planning to switch to an Omlet coop and walk-in run situation within the next month. The predators have figured out all the weaknesses of this set-up and it’s easier to start from scratch than it is to continue to try to improve this one.