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Posted by Haley on 9/3/2009, 8:51 pm
69.115.142.73
Hi everyone! School just started and I'll be spending less time online, so I'll be popping in when I can. Right now being one of them.
My Rock rooster and hen have been progressing very well. I have to think of a name for the hen, because she isn't going anywhere unless she passes away, not too likely. But the rooster won't receive a name until (unless) I'm sure he can handle a life like the one he's going to get. 2 days after I brought them home, one of my banty hens started cackling and the rooster crowed for the first time being here. God, he sounds like a dying animal! 
I don't know exactly how old he is, but he's just a cockerel, under a year old. I'm thinking around 9 months. Any chance he'll improve his singing voice? Lol!
I noticed the hen has been in the process of moulting. She's already shed enough for a pillow and seems unsure of when to stop. I'm wondering if it's just her time of year or she is stressed. No egg yet.
I notice Mr. Rooster and Miss Hen have sunken-in faces. And the hen's face is really pale in comparison to her wattles and comb. Is there a reason for this? I don't think it's weight loss, but I'm treating them to some bread and corn anyway.
On Sunday, I began worming the two of them with the Cayenne pepper in their food. HOT STUFF!!! I got a whiff of it by accident and had tears brought to my eyes. Question: Haven't had time to try it with the ducks so I only gave it to the lone Rocks so far, because they're the ones who really need it. I've been mixing their food separately and giving them breakfast and dinner each day. How long do I need to mix the pepper in their food for? I know I'll have to go in for round 2 in ten days and then every 6 months. Have I been giving them the stuff too long? And if so, does it cause a problem?
Feces look normal and ever since I saw that wormy looking poo that one time, I've seen nothing since.
So far, the two have been pretty well behaved. I've been working with the rooster as often as possible. But I'm happy to say that there are some things chickens can learn. 
He hasn't bit me in days and is now settling down when I hold him. I'm trying 'positive reinforcement' with bread. Sounds rediculous but I'd like to give him a chance. He seems like a sweet little guy right now and if he behaves, he gets a heaven on earth. Almost 20 hens all to himself!
The hen still bites me though. 
She's been without human contact for longer than the rooster. Right now, I'm just happy Mr. Roo hasn't been corrupted by an evil side. Yet.
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