Monday, April 16, 2012

Actually, this is my first rodeo

Ugh.  Where's a wall to bang my head upon?

To bring anyone up to speed... I started out with 5 straight run (not knowing male or female) chicks.  One turns out to be a "sure thing" rooster. It's obvious he's a male.  He's got this bright, gorgeous comb and he just acts like your stereotypical rooster.   I sold the "sure thing" rooster and a pullet (young female) as a pair, as to not split them, not even a week ago.

We have 3 chickens.  Currently, in the backyard, 3 chicks.  I want 3 chickens.  I want 3 hens.  I have 2 pullets, and ANOTHER cockerel (young male). 

Yup, that's right.  I sold a female thinking I had 4 females.  Turns out, I had 3 females and 2 males. I now have 2 females and 1 male.  Currently, in the backyard.  Two females, one male.  I sold a female.  I had the three I needed/wanted!  I SOLD THE WRONG ONE!  I had the right number to have 3 females, to have what I wanted!!

Are you understanding my frustration?!

In my newbie/city girl defense... Four birds were a different breed.  One rooster was a Barred Rock and the other rooster is the single Black Australorp.  I was comparing comb height and behavior of those Barred Rocks to the comb height to the Black Australorp.  Apparently, the rooster characteristics of the Black Australorp are slower to develop than the Barred Rock.

Now what?  Start over with more chicks?  Pay more for older SURE THING pullets?

I guess I have to research adding new birds to the flock.  I don't think it would be fair to get just 1 "new" bird. But I want three!  Four might be too many.  We have space for four... Hmm, maybe I should research just having two birds.

This is him, and I really liked her. 




4 comments:

Amanda said...

I think it is great that you are doing this and it is clear that you are or have done your research!!! I am sorry you sold the little female you needed, I cant imagine how frustrating that is, but I am sure it will work out!

I am totally living vicariously through you and really think this is awesome!

Amy said...

I'm also living vicariously through you! I'd love to have fresh eggs, but I'll buy them for now!

Lori said...

I know it's not funny, but I have to say my favorite line was, "This is him. I really liked her."

I'm so sorry for the frustration. If it makes you feel better, that's soooo something I would do. Only multiple times. Until I finally gave up.

So kudos to you for going back to the rodeo!
xoxo

Rik no Blog said...

Legal!