[spizanne]

hello everyone,  I found this site while researching my newest acquisition, given to me by my bosses wife, a very large 10 month old Blue Cochin. She did say he was big but he makes my girlies, 5 warrens also about 10 months, look like bantams. I have had him 2 days now, he is in an arc with 5' run with Henrietta, the other 4 are in another ark similar size, hubby now has the job of building something rather larger as I discovered he's going to get even bigger.  My bosses wife gave him to me cos he attacked her when she went in their run to feed her chooks, would appreciate any tips on how to stop him if he does it again without resorting to brute force. am handling him every day and so far not had a problem but he is still settling in, he is scared of my dog and runs into the arc and hides with his head in the corner although he used to attack hers through the fence, still 2 days isn't long and he's still settling in, any ideas if he does have a go would be much appreciated. ps great site, have been on here for the last 4 hours

[SnooziSuzi]

Hi Spizanne,  welcome to the site.  can't offer any help with the cockerel 'cos I've only got hens but just wanted to say hi!

someone will be along very soon with some sage advice!

[noshed]

And onion stuffing?

[SnooziSuzi]

:roll:  

[Aunt Sally]

Welcome spizanne

He sounds like a beautiful bird.  I've not any experience with cockerels but many others here have and will be along soon.

My gut feeling would be to take a broom with you  :shock:

[spizanne]

used to carry a crutch with the last cockerel I had, a very nasty bantam with spurs about 4' long, blooming good guard dog though, this was before we had the dog, and he killed rats, good boy, hope this one does too

[Aunt Sally]

It sounds as it you live somewhere where a cockerel crowing won't be a problem for your neighbours.

Why don't you pop up to the Welcome Forum and tell us a bit about yourself.  (We're terribly nosey )

[spizanne]

where's the welcome forum

[Aunt Sally]

where's the welcome forum

Click on this link and it will take you there by majic carpet

http://www.chat.allotment-garden.org/viewforum.php?f=12

[richyrich7]

Hi Spizane welcome to the forums    I've read that picking them up and giving them a hug  :roll:  makes them less likely to go for you, but never had a cockerel so no practical exp

[babe]

Hi Spizane welcome to the forums    I've read that picking them up and giving them a hug  :roll:  makes them less likely to go for you, but never had a cockerel so no practical exp

i give mine a hug or 6 everyday, and he gets lots of cyber hugs from here too. but he has been molly coddled since i got him at 6 weeks.
 

[GrannieAnnie]

Hi and welcome from me too!!1  Did you mean to say 4 inches???   4' is a bit long??? lol

Hubby says, why do you want a cockerel?  He thinks they are only any good for the pot.

[spizanne]

sorry I think that should be centimetres, a child of the change from imp. to metric I alway get muddled up lol :?
thanks for link Aunt Sally, have just posted in the welcome forum, sorry if I've gone on a bit

[mdueal]

We pick ours up too - its also good for making him stop crowing when he gets stuck on a bit of a loop.
If he starts doing his war dance (foot stomping, one wing out, running on an angle towards you) you are supposed to mimic it back to show him you are boss. Usually just some foot stamping back (although you do look a bit ridiculous) If you put a foot underneath him to just tip him off balance gently as well that normally sends them into retreat.
You could trim his spurs - soften them with oil for a few days beforehand or remove them altogether by using a hot potato.

[Foxy]

Hot potatoes?
How does that work-umm do you  just stick them on the end?