[Oliveview]

He was away from the hens ´on holiday´ at the neighbours (he had been attacking the new hens) we got him back today and the first thing he did was round up his ´older girls´ all was fine (as far as we had noticed) then just as dusk was coming and the girls went into roost there was an almighty racket and I went out and Colin was attacking a new hen (I say new, we have had them for almost 3 weeks now).  He was chasing the hen about the garden going mad, the poor hen just did not know what to do.  I yelled at Colin called him a very rude name and he left the hen alone.  He then went into the roost where I got him and took him back to the neighbour.  The neighbour will tomorrow prepare him for the pot.  It is such a shame, he is such a handsome beast.  The older and the new hens were being good today before Colin arrived, so I think he is the upset in the group.  I will miss Colins crowing, but I cant have the hens being attacked. The neighbour asked if we wanted Colin back to eat but I declined, not so much me, hubby won´t eat one of our hens.  
Pamela

[noshed]

Colin the casserole - I see what you mean...
All the other hens will welcome your decision though.

[Oliveview]

When we got the last lot of new hens (3) we had no problem getting them accepted into the group, there was only 2 other hens then and no Colin.  This time it has been dreadful, Hubby had to stand guard the other day!! When Colin went on a break to the neighbours the hens settled down and actually shared the roosting perches instead of the new hens huddled together on the nesting box.  Don´t think I will get another Colin!  Pamela

[babe]

colin curry....  :oops:  sorry pamela.

sometimes we have to be cruel to be kind, its a shame but you know that you tried everything else first

lots of hugs  

[GrannieAnnie]

Awww, poor you!!! Don't feel bad about it Pamela, you did your best!  You should have had him back for eating though!!!!
Freedie went yesterday!  Brian did the deed at last, but only because as the hens had kept attacking Freddie, he's been living in the brooder shed for a few weeks with a couple of girls who actually liked him for company, but they are now back with the flock, and Freddie is dinner tomorrow!

It's amazing though, how small he looks now without is fine feathers!  I thought he was going to be HUGE, but it was all feather!  My fault I suppose as he'd been eating layers pellets same as the girls, perhaps I should have put him on rearer??  But he had lots of corn in the afternoon.    Without his feathers, he only weighs 2kgs!

I needed the brooder leaned out and prepared for the day olds from Poulet which are coming tomorrow or Friday, as he's running a day late!!!!
More chicks pics on the way!!!!!!

[Oliveview]

I was quite worried about catching him as he is so big, in the end I grabbed his tail feathers and then his wings- he was hard work to hold.  The neighbour sold her cockerels oven ready for 6€ a kilo to the other neighbour :shock:  but seeing as the neighbour actually bought Colin and reared him for us I guess she is entitled him for free
We had been getting 5 eggs a day (5 layers) then 4 eggs then 3 or 4 eggs then today just 1!! :cry:  :shock:    Don´t know if Colin put the hens off laying! I did give them loads of green stuff yesterday (cabbage that had not grown much and lettuce plants that had bolted) Just cos I gave away 6 eggs the day before they go on strike!  I need more eggs to bake some cakes.  Can´t go and buy any can I?
Pamela

[Oliveview]

Could you roast him or would he only be good slow boiled in a casserole?  He is about 10 months old I´d guess.
Pamela

[GrannieAnnie]

I don't know how old is old, but Munty will tell you.  Munty also says if too old to roast, then steam them first, then finish off by roasting!  But as Freddie is only 7 months old, I may roast him.

Actually I'm sure Munty was talking on one topic aout growing them for 18 months, or perhaps that's just me going senile early!!!!!

[Oliveview]

Colin is still at the neighbours crowing-  I feel bad every time I hear him and want to race to get him back :cry:   The other hens are much more settled now, they even shared the same roost last night  still in their own groups but mixing more
Pamela

[Lost in France]

I know how you feel Olive view. Poor Colin! I bought Fred, the cockerel last year,  who was a magnificant black silkie stud! At first the girls adored him but then he began to become aggressive towards them. It was always first thing in the mornings, he wanted them off the roost so he would attack them. He pulled two claws from Mrs B who's such a gentle hen and, at first,  I didn't realise it was he who inflicted the damage. I think he just couldn't wait whilst they did their hair and make-up before they started their day with him!!   My young male peacock also hated him and I feared would hurt him as he resented any attention to "his" hens. At first I though, great you'll learn what it's like to be bullied but all in all...he had to go! Fortunately, the people we bought him from had him back but I was in tears leaving him even though they intended to keep him!

Your girls will be happier so that's the main thing! Buster, my existing cockerel is splendid but very gentle and even allows me to hold him ...without a struggle!

Judi