How was the rooster? How old was he? We've found if we don't let them "hang" for 3 days they tend to be tough at 18 weeks or older. That's why we grind the old layers.
We have a crab net left from our Florida days and we use that to catch chickens. Neither of us is any good at running. I can get up to 4 at a time with the net.
I saw last night's post saying supper! but thought, he wouldn't be eating HIS birds....
He was old and pretty tough. None of them were under 8 months old. Two were particularly fatty, this one included.
Not my sweet pretty little birds, they're not food yet. But these mean old sex offender roosters have victimized enough. She was ready to just start shooting them. After seeing her hens, I understood.
That's the second reason we don't have a rooster. Even one in sufficient area means tore up hens. Tore up hens do not lay well. They can either make feathers, or lay eggs, but not both.
Is there any benefit to a rooster besides fertilization?
If you free range, sometimes a rooster will protect his hens from predators. Other than that, no.
Hmm.. you're making.me think I need to get rid of Roo and add a couple more pullets...
I don't think Melissa is okay with any more chicks though lol maybe we'll keep him til he helps make us some chicks for us this spring ;)