[westview]

Hi there, I've got bit of a dilemma so hoping for some advice.  I'm fairly new to chicken keeping and so far I have 3 lovely exbatties and 1 very large, meat bird (atleast that's what we think) Cockerel.  Up to a couple of days ago the cockerel had a hen of the same breed and size but we had to cull her due to illness.  He's approx 5 mnths old and yes, I know I can eat him but he's more of a pet now and besides don't think he'd fit in the oven!
My question is, he's a little off his food today and I'm worried he's missing a little lady company....  I'd rather not get another meat bird as that was an accident (long story - wont bore you).. but could anyone recommend another large hen bird I could get.  Someone mentioned Orps??  Plus I'd thought I'd get a couple to share his affections.....
By the way, he can see the batties as they've got a wire fence separating them in a large run - so it's not like he's isolated..
I've attached a picture of Harry the cockerel to give you an idea of size
many thanks!!

[NormandyMary]

What a fine specimen of a boy Harry is. I dont know what the others think, but I do know that my poorly cockerel improved significantly when his broody girlfriend was put back with him in the big henhouse, so perhaps he is missing his love.

[Evansent]

There is a breed called Jersey Giants....don't know much about them though, except they are quite big!

c x

[Sassy]

I would definitely get at least two hens to keep him company as his attentions may be too much for one hen and sometimes for two hens!

[Casey76]

He looks just like my Thyme did (who dressed out at 11lbs at 6 months old!).

Chickens do get attached to each other, so he may be a little depressed, especially if his "girlfriend" and he had been together for a period of time.  However he should adjust over time.

It is actually coming to the end of the breeding season, so Harry should be quite happy on his own in a suitably sized pen.

[westview]

Thank you so much everyone for your comments.  Casey, that's good news..... I'm sure he does miss her but is getting used to the idea of being on his own.  I never knew there was an acutal mating season??? Does that mean he will be crowing less soon too?  Also, this may sound like an odd question but when I give him bit of a wash his skin is very red..... is that normal?? 
Also, (sorry last one!) as he's a meat bird I was told not to worry about having a perch in his coop... is that right or should I get one installed??

[joyfull]

Some birds do have red skin - it depends on the breed.
As for not needing a perch - I am assuming he is a heavy bird so jumping up and down a perch could lead to a leg or foot injury - if you want him to roost then make sure his perch is just a couple of inches off the ground 

[GrannieAnnie]

I think the only reason people say don't let a meat bird perch is that if you are going to eat them, you don't want blisters forming on the breasts as can happen, but as Harry is not going to be eaten, I'm sure he'd love a perch, but like Joy says, maybe only a few inches off the ground as he is a big boy, but don't be surprised if he has a heart attack one day, heavy meat birds weren't meant to live to a ripe old age, its in the genes!

[westview]

Hi there, Thanks everyone again for your help.  Harry is adapting well to life as a Batchelor (to mine untrained eye that is!).  He does do quite a bit of stamping when he's unhappy and if he's really fed up with you will charge and throw himself beak first at your wellies!!  I believe he does this as his eyesight doesn't appear to be the greatest (are they like cats ie can't see well straight infront?).  Anyway, when he does the stampy thing I just talk to him, he then appears to recognise my voice and calms down (or perhaps it's because I throw mixed corn treats at him!!?).   The last time he charged me and 'Beak butted' my wellies he gave himself bit of a blooming nose/beak!
Anyway, I just wanna make sure he's kept busy so if anyone has any recommendations what i can put in his run to keep him busy that would be much appreciated. 
I do realise he may well not last much longer as he's such a big fella.......... but would like to give him the best time whilst he's with me.
 

[joyfull]

You could try hanging up a corn on the cob or a head of cabbage or broccoli - this will give him something to eat as well as make him exercise by stretching up to get it