Update on the Rooster

Ezekiel the Rooster and his Harem

The new rooster has been given a name, Ezekiel.  It seems to suit him well.  He is no Jorge by any means; he crows a lot and loudly, he is mean to me and the pigs, and he has brought the hens under his dominance.  In my experience, when I introduce a new rooster, it takes several weeks before he feels comfortable enough mating with the hens.  Not Ezekiel.  He started chasing them shortly after he arrived and has no problem grabbing one at random.  I suppose that this is good because I will start collecting eggs in the next few weeks for incubation.  I am very hopeful that I will have a good batch of Americana chicks this year.  I knew what to expect with the previous rooster, Jorge, but I am a little on edge waiting to see what kind of chicks hatch from Ezekiel.

None of the other animals seem to like him much.  The pigs have had it with his bossiness.  The alpacas are not fond of his loud crowing in the barn.  The sheep and goats think he is over protective of the hens.  The hens think he is a bit rough.  My altercation with him came after I chased a hen out of the barn that was trying to make a nest in the alpaca’s hay.  As I pushed her out, she squawked and Ezekiel took it as a threat and came charging.  I hope that he is this brave if a raccoon or fox comes around.