Pairing Up

[Walter swanston]

About 8 days ago tried to pair up my new stock birds using the following recognised procedure.Locked the cocks in boxes with individual pots of grain and water.Result: absolute mayhem as they threw themself against the grills to get free overturned the pots water and feeding everywhere.After two days introduced the hens in the hope things would calm down...wrong.....absolute serious warfare broke out in each box, once again water and food all over the place absolute bloody mess.Finally today, lost patience took away the grills and allowed the birds to do their own thing.....surprise...............peace has broken out.

[PIGEON_MAN]

Bit late now I know but a good idea is to lock the cock in the one half of the box and the hen in the other until they settle down and then let them together,I also use the cups that hang on the outside of the box.

[dal2]

At least its peaceful now walter mate?

 

I never have water or food in the box just a half brick for the hen, or sometimes the cock, to get out of the way. Put the cocks in the end WEEKS before pairing up and let them sort their boxs then lock the hens in for at least a few days letting them out to the floor for drink and feed. Have in the past kept them on this regime until eggs have hatched!!