Meet the Crazy Coop! July 12 & 19 at the Willow Falls Market in Lehi from 9-12.
Indi the Delaware Roo
We Should Have Known...
Sometimes trusting a stranger can lead to a very confused existence. Indi was supposed to be one of two Buff Brahmas from the second clutch of our first flock, but it soon became apparent that something was very wrong.
Within a few days, white--not buff--feathers started to show, soon followed by black spots! Plus, "Buffy" was growing much faster than our other supposed Buff Brahma, so we figured we'd got a bantam.
Then my bro pointed out the most obvious sign: our "Buff Brahmas" were not only the wrong color entirely, but they packed the fuzzy legs that grow feathered feet!
So yeah, I felt extra dumb for a while. (In my defense, the last time I'd seen a Brahma chick was in 2007 with our first group of chicks!)
Fast Forward
A few weeks and hours of research on white chickens with black markings later, I came to the conclusion that I was about 90% sure that Indi and Snowball were Delaware chickens. But there was still something wrong... They looked different. Aaaaaand it was looking more and more that we had a boy in the flock.
Not only did Indi have barred (or striped) tail feathers while Snowball had solid black, he was quickly getting thicker, heavier, and his comb and waddles started to grow dark red.
Our suspicions were confirmed when he tried to mount one of the hens, clearly not understanding what he was doing. He was especially confused when she stood up, pecked him in the face, and walked off. I didn't know that a chicken to pull such an expression, but he definitely did!
And Now
Something good to know about the Delaware breed is that they were bred specifically to be a desirable duel purpose bird. Unlike many popular breeds like Orpingtons and Rhoad Island Reds,v the Delaware meat stays tender and flavorful throughout a healthy chicken's life, so when your hen stops laying she can serve her second purpose on the dinner table.
Knowing this, you'll understand why a Indi has the very real threat of soup hanging over his head if he doesn't behave. We aren't breeding and don't really need a rooster, so he's reminded every day that he better be good to the girls or he's dinner!
Generally he's been a pretty good roo, so we'll see if he calms down as the flock hormones settle a bit. We catch and hold him (against his will) as often as possible, and he's usually chill. He still hasn't figured out that he's supposed to share scratch with the girls instead of stealing what they find, and teases Nuggie (our atypical Orpington) until she loses her patience and chases him off, but I relate to his yelling at the sun at random times during the day, so we'll keep him for now. ;)
Pops has mentioned having him for Thanksgiving since he's becoming one hefty bird, but he's got potential as a flock protector. So we won't settle our plans just yet!
Do you have a rooster in your flock? What has your experience been? What recommendations do you have for new backyard chicken tenders regarding roosters? Share with us!
And don't forget to stay meepy out there. :)