My lovely yellow goldens.

[ChikaInu]

Gorgeous!

Most people just thinks he looks absolutely nuts... and they are not wrong!

 

[007Sean]

So it is absolutely spring time and Prim has gotten very protective over his hens! It's a shame for me but I try to respect him and give him space. It is a bit tricky since the ladies like to come and hang out while I'm doing maintenance but I do my best not to provoke him.

They are also looking a bit "tufty" since he is chasing them around and perhaps it is molting time?

Apart from this though they are very much enjoying the sunshine, basking and digging for all the summer grubs!

View attachment 4095678

No, they are not molting yet, he will lose his tail feathers first in a molt, then his cape and crest feathers, then he will no longer be fertile but the hens will molt more gradually, a feather or two here and there, will barely be noticeable in hens.

If the hens are looking shabby, it's because he is trying to breed them and is running them crazy. Need more places for them to get away from him!

 

[ChikaInu]

No, they are not molting yet, he will lose his tail feathers first in a molt, then his cape and crest feathers, then he will no longer be fertile but the hens will molt more gradually, a feather or two here and there, will barely be noticeable in hens.

If the hens are looking shabby, it's because he is trying to breed them and is running them crazy.

Thank you! I just wasn't sure what was going on but he really has been chasing them around lately and I've seen him grab at them- I am happy there are three ladies! There are plenty of shrubs and things in the run but I'll try to add more branches and things for them to shelter behind.

I'm thinking he is a bit clueless and just overly aroused like most young males/cockerels and will settle a bit with time?

That being said I saw them having down time during the day as well. Dust bathing and enjoying the sun. I think me being around with feed and treats triggers him.

 

[007Sean]

Thank you! I just wasn't sure what was going on but he really has been chasing them around lately and I've seen him grab at them- I am happy there are three ladies! There are plenty of shrubs and things in the run but I'll try to add more branches and things for them to shelter behind.

I'm thinking he is a bit clueless and just overly aroused like most young males/cockerels and will settle a bit with time?

That being said I saw them having down time during the day as well. Dust bathing and enjoying the sun. I think me being around with feed and treats triggers him.

I've been raising them for 57 years and I still don't know what's going on in their brains, most of the time!
Some of mine display year round, go figure!

 

[ChikaInu]

I've been raising them for 57 years and I still don't know what's going on in their brains, most of the time!
Some of mine display year round, go figure!

I just shrugged and told a friend of mine that male pheasants have no chill.

 

[007Sean]

Here's a few pics of what to expect when he's molting. Both Red and Yellow Goldens. And what they look like after molting!

 

[007Sean]

I just shrugged and told a friend of mine that male pheasants have no chill.

Goldens certainly don't know when to shut down!

 

[ChikaInu]

Here's a few pics of what to expect when he's molting. Both Red and Yellow Goldens. And what they look like after molting!View attachment 4095727View attachment 4095728View attachment 4095729View attachment 4095730View attachment 4095731View attachment 4095732View attachment 4095733

Wow, thank you! Amazing photos!
That is absolutely not happening over here at the moment.


Also - do you think there is a chance the eggs will be fertilized when the hens start laying this year or will they all be duds? I'll be collecting them all either way and not incubating them, just curious.

 

[007Sean]

Wow, thank you! Amazing photos!
That is absolutely not happening over here at the moment.


Also - do you think there is a chance the eggs will be fertilized when the hens start laying this year or will they all be duds? I'll be collecting them all either way and not incubating them, just curious.

If your not going to incubate but maybe sell? After about 2 weeks of laying you can crack them open into a small class to see if they are fertile. The fertile eggs will have a 'bullseye' on the yolk. Here's a couple of picks of what to look for.

 

[ChikaInu]

First ever egg today! I'm so excited!