Roosters

[Sweet William]

The best rooster I've had was a Black Lace Wyandot named Lord Mark (from a book series). Aside from being the most handsome thing in the county, he was a very attentive Rooster. He led the girls well as they free ranged, even into the edge of the woods. He protected them well, calling them to safety when the occasional hawk flew over. He was not too vigorous with mating. And though he wasn't cuddle-friendly, he wasn't aggressive toward us or our dogs.

Later we had a Black Australorp. He was solid black with red comb/wattles so he wasn't nearly as impressive to look at. He, too was attentive and protective. However, after a couple of years, he became mean to the girls. If one was in the least difficulty, he attacked her. We saved one through isolation until she healed up, but he pecked the other one so badly we had to cull her. We culled him, too.

Our current big boy is his son by a RIR. Sweet William (my screen name and also from a book series) is not the solid black of the Aussie, but is nearly as handsome as Lord Mark was. He is also very attentive and protective, and not aggressive toward humans. We've had to use a saddle on a hen a time or two because he has his favorite girls that get a lot of attention.

Overall, I HIGHLY recommend the Black Lace Wyandot, and the Aussie/RIR cross as well. But I wasn't impressed with the straight Black Australorp.

 

[Farmgirl283420]

The best rooster I've had was a Black Lace Wyandot named Lord Mark (from a book series). Aside from being the most handsome thing in the county, he was a very attentive Rooster. He led the girls well as they free ranged, even into the edge of the woods. He protected them well, calling them to safety when the occasional hawk flew over. He was not too vigorous with mating. And though he wasn't cuddle-friendly, he wasn't aggressive toward us or our dogs.

Later we had a Black Australorp. He was solid black with red comb/wattles so he wasn't nearly as impressive to look at. He, too was attentive and protective. However, after a couple of years, he became mean to the girls. If one was in the least difficulty, he attacked her. We saved one through isolation until she healed up, but he pecked the other one so badly we had to cull her. We culled him, too.

Our current big boy is his son by a RIR. Sweet William (my screen name and also from a book series) is not the solid black of the Aussie, but is nearly as handsome as Lord Mark was. He is also very attentive and protective, and not aggressive toward humans. We've had to use a saddle on a hen a time or two because he has his favorite girls that get a lot of attention.

Overall, I HIGHLY recommend the Black Lace Wyandot, and the Aussie/RIR cross as well. But I wasn't impressed with the straight Black Australorp.

So you have pictures of your roosters? They sound beautiful!

 

[EddieSalita]

This is Duke. He is heritage rhode Island white over heritage indian/cornish game hen.

He was raised in the flock by a broody hatchery hen. He is a beast and only 5 and a half months old.

He is looking like he will be a fine rooster. He ticks most all the boxes so far. Looks out for the girls, feeds them, is gentle and friendly to people and kids. A rather fearsome protector even though he is young and still finding his feet. The girls still chase him from time to time.

He is a great dancer for the ladies.

Idk what he weighs. But it would be plenty. His feathers are quite sleek and he is built like a brick outhouse. His breast width is really quite something irl. Legs like tank stumps. Amazingly is is very agile for such a heavy bird.

Its hard to get scale on him, the black hens in some of the pics are rather hefty black austrlorps.

He has 16 hens to look after. He is gonna be a busy boy

 

[Farmgirl283420]

This is Duke. He is heritage rhode Island white over heritage indian/cornish game hen.

He was raised in the flock by a broody hatchery hen. He is a beast and only 5 and a half months old.

He is looking like he will be a fine rooster. He ticks most all the boxes so far. Looks out for the girls, feeds them, is gentle and friendly to people and kids. A rather fearsome protector even though he is young and still finding his feet. The girls still chase him from time to time.

He is a great dancer for the ladies.

Idk what he weighs. But it would be plenty. His feathers are quite sleek and he is built like a brick outhouse. His breast width is really quite something irl. Legs like tank stumps. Amazingly is is very agile for such a heavy bird.

Its hard to get scale on him, the black hens in some of the pics are rather hefty black austrlorps.

He has 16 hens to look after. He is gonna be a busy boy

He’s a big handsome boy! I love the color of his eyes with the color of his feathers!

 

[EddieSalita]

He’s a big handsome boy! I love the color of his eyes with the color of his feathers!

Not gonna lie.... we were concerned how big he may get considering how big his rooster was, and that he is crossed with heritage cornish.

Time hasn't alleviated that concern at all looking forward to seeing just how big he may get.

But he is very able bodied. So all is well.