Introducing a cockerel

andyh

Hatching
Aug 7, 2015
6
2
9
Derbyshire UK
Hi everyone,

I've kept poultry for several years and currently have 9 Black rock hens (7 months old) free ranging in 1.5 acres and all are very happy and laying well.


Luckily I don't have neighbours to worry about and have wanted to own a cockerel for a long time, as I just like their character and seeing them with a flock of hens. Yesterday after careful consideration I purchased one, from a excellent local breeder who I know well, a handsome 12 week old black copper Maran cockerel, who I'm yet to name.

He's currently in a pen indoors being fed on growers pellets and he already seems happy and very calm too.


My question; Is he old enough to be introduced to the girls in a week or so's time?


Your advice please...
 
I would try introducing them for a day, then at night put him back in his pen, and see how it works. If everything went smoothly, go ahead and move him in with the ladies.
 
Yep :) A week or maybe 2 in a pen right next to the ladies and he should be good to go :)

I just did the same; got a wee cockerel this spring, decided it was time for my own chicks! I got a Red Star, and he did, and still does, have to watch his PS and Qs with some of the more mature ladies lol, but he sure does try his hardest to keep 30+ hens in line.

He's about 15 weeks old right now, been in with them since he was about 4 weeks old.
 
Agrees penning him next to the girls for a few weeks is best.....they're probably gonna kick his butt at first.
 
Well it's been an interesting few weeks....

Yep, as you said, 'Gaylord' our copper black Maran cockerel had his butt kicked for a few weeks...but he slowly grew in stature and confidence, having now stamped his authority on the flock.
A few weeks later he's had a few jumps up at our two children, until they were 'encouraged' to make him back down...and now he knows his place.
It's really great to have a cockerel around the place...

 

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