Looking for a Cockerel (East Sussex)

[Silent Reader]

Thought I'd make a post to see if anyone in my local area has a Cockerel that needs saving from an Axe.

Situation I've got are 3 Well established Hens, and 2 new ones (one Amber and 1 Black Sussex) in an Ideal world I would like another Black Sussex (as I wouldn't mind trying my hand at a bit of breeding) but the main points are as follows:

Order in the coup as the two sets of Hens clash (hopefully he'll sort it out on my behalf)
Magpie deterrent (these are starting to steal the eggs)
Other pest control (Squirrels/rats etc)

He'll need to be a fair size (Ie not a bantam) and I’m looking for a fair temperament (if possible) as there’s a 9yr old boy about.


I know it's a tall order and I'm not expecting to tick all the boxes but it's worth a try if you ask me.

All the best

SR

[RichmondHens]

Good luck with finding your cockerel. I'm sure you will have plenty of offers! I have to say though, that although he will help with keeping the hens in order, he probably won't assist in pest control. If you want one that is docile enough to be around your little boy, then he won't be much of a vermin killer either! Chickens will kill and eat mice, but not rats.

[di]

I agree with RH...they having a Cockeral won't mean suddenly no rats...ours make no attempt to catch any they see
I'm sure it's too far and you should easily be able to find one closer but we do have a boy that's nearly ready for the chop...thing is I've gone from being oversensitive and not knowing if I could face eating a hand reared cock to actually looking at him and thinking how tasty he looks

[Silent Reader]

Thanks for the replies folks

I appreciate the comments regarding pest control. Thanks

Pest control is normally done via a .22 rifle and very rarely a little bit of poison when I’m getting overrun but I really refrain from using it obviously due to it’s nature. And I’m sure there’s an Owl assisting with any small vermin around and who seems to be acting like a “night watchmen” on my behalf as I saw him fly away from near the coop when I came back late one evening.

Ipswich is a little to far to be honest, and I’d expect it to not be a pleasant journey for the bird. So Ideally anyone in Sussex or maybe Kent would be a better choice I think, hope you don’t mind, The offer is very much appreciated.

All the best

SR

[Silent Reader]

...thing is I've gone from being oversensitive and not knowing if I could face eating a hand reared cock to actually looking at him and thinking how tasty he looks

Coq au Vin - Chicken - Recipes - from Delia Online