Introducing a Rooster to a flock of hens

Date sort Score sort
Kevan

Kevan

Hatching
10 Years
Jun 3, 2009
9
0
7
Hello:

I have a small flock of hens: two mature layers (1 BR, 1 Amer); and 12 hens that are 11 weeks old (6 RIRs, 3 bantys, 2 BRs, 1 Amer). I have an angle on on 10 week old rooster from a friend. He's got a fairly good personalilty, and his father is a great manager of his girls.

Is it safe or advisable to introduce this fellow to my flock? What pitfalls or risks should I be aware of? Any advice on how to do this -- just add him to the community and watch and see how it goes?

Thank you kindly,
 
I am sure others will chime in with more sage advice...

However, I just let my roo loose with my 8 hens, and he did just fine. There was a little investigating at first, and then the dominant hen tried to fight him, but one quick peck on the head from him and the issue was quickly resolved. They accepted him into the flock immediately, and within just a few hours, was the big boss and protector. I did let him loose with them outside, so if there was any issue, he could run away. If it was in the coop, I might be concerned they could all attack him and he couldn't escape.

I think the big roo is less apt to get hurt. I had trouble introducing hens into the flock without a roo, but now, I can introduce new birds in without a problem because he is the leader and keeps everyone in line.

I don't think I will keep a flock without a roo. He has saved them from predators many times, and has fought off a mink and weasel.
 
Last edited:
Thank you very much for your reply. I introduced the Rooster to the girls and things have gone very well. In fact, some of the issues between the mature BR and the 3 month old girls have been pretty well sorted. It's made flock mgmt easier having a rooster. Thanks again,
 
I would quarantine him for awhile. I do with any new birds before I put them with my flock. I put them so they can see each other to get used to each other. There is always the pecking order thing when I integrate.
 

Similar threads

A
    • Like
Who should I introduce first???
2 3
Replies
20
Views
2K
BigBlueHen53
BigBlueHen53
M
    • Like
Introducing rescued hen to existing flock
Replies
8
Views
898
AmyRoach
AmyRoach
CajunRoo
    • Like
Rooster introduction to Flock
Replies
1
Views
618
nuthatched
nuthatched
D
    • Like
Rooster help
Replies
4
Views
746
WoDia
WoDia
B
Introducing new chickens to the flock
Replies
8
Views
1K
LonestarVol
L

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom