Can a handicapped rooster and hens get along?

Knuckles went right up the ramp into the coop last night. Nobody bothered him until this morning when they got bored around 6:30 am and then the same 2 hens went after him. He's on his half of the run now along with Sweetie. He tried to mount her so at least he's doing what he's supposed to!
 
Just wanted to give an update on Knuckles.
We decided to give him full access to the run and coop and put the aggressive hens in the smaller wired off section of the run. We had 5 hens in there and now we are down to 3! The worst one, Skittles, has failed miserably to accept him and continues to peck at him, so she will be the last one we try to re-introduce. Thanks to all who had such wonderful suggestions.... Your experience is priceless!!!!
Knuckles has a great place to live and plenty of hens to care for.
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Relaxing in his hot tub.


Out in the brooder pen teaching the chicks how to be a big, brave rooster. So gentle with them!


Feet didn't work, but his wings sure did!


Notice his feet - sounds like that's how your roo, Knuckles, is. Glad you are getting integration handled so well!


Meet Scout. Frostbitten feet when he was just a chick hatched under a broody necessitated us bringing him in and treating him. He loved his hot tub, and the washcloth we warmed in the dryer for him as a "spa towel". His feet started to heal, but then contracted terribly. We tried shoes...nope. So when he was just a few weeks old we set up his indoor brooder, complete with Mama Heating Pad, out in the coop. We wired the door open so he could get in and out but the big chickens couldn't follow. Yeah, right...he spent all of his time out of the brooder and in with the older chickens. He thrived. You can read his complete story by clicking on the link in my signature. He had no idea he was "disabled". If he wanted to do something, he had to find ways to do it with his stumpy feet. He flew, he roosted, he scratched, he bred hens, he stood watch, and he was amazing with the chicks we brooded out in the run. Sure do miss him. So happy that Knuckles seems to be doing well!
 
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Just wanted to give an update on Knuckles.
We decided to give him full access to the run and coop and put the aggressive hens in the smaller wired off section of the run. We had 5 hens in there and now we are down to 3! The worst one, Skittles, has failed miserably to accept him and continues to peck at him, so she will be the last one we try to re-introduce. Thanks to all who had such wonderful suggestions.... Your experience is priceless!!!!
Knuckles has a great place to live and plenty of hens to care for.
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Glad to hear it is working out for Knuckles.
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When you reintroduce the more dominant hens, try to put things in the run to distract them for a few days. Try bright colored toys with food inside or food treats to keep them busy. You could hang a head of cabbage or head of lettuce for them to peck at, or put in a flock block. Watermelon is really good on a hot day. Throw some BOSS around the run for a treasure hunt. Put in some fresh wood ash for them to dust bathe in. Spread things out during the day whenever you can. Good luck getting everyone together!
 
Glad to hear it is working out for Knuckles.
thumbsup.gif
When you reintroduce the more dominant hens, try to put things in the run to distract them for a few days. Try bright colored toys with food inside or food treats to keep them busy. You could hang a head of cabbage or head of lettuce for them to peck at, or put in a flock block. Watermelon is really good on a hot day. Throw some BOSS around the run for a treasure hunt. Put in some fresh wood ash for them to dust bathe in. Spread things out during the day whenever you can. Good luck getting everyone together!
Great suggestions!
 
Knuckles started crowing 2 weeks ago and is the proud leader of the flock! He rounds up the girls when it's time to head back from free ranging and he
keeps everyone in line. The girls have accepted him 100% ! I love to hear him communicating with them and how quickly they respond.... Amazing!!
 

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