Rooster will not accept new hen

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Termi

Termi

Hatching
8 Years
May 1, 2011
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I have an established flock of 13 hens and 1 rooster. I bought 3 older chicks from the feed store. They were about 6 weeks old.
I kept them separate from the flock until they got a little older. Unfortunately 2 of the new chicks turned out to be roosters. I complained to the feed store and they took them back. That left me with one lone hen. When she got older I tried to introduce her to the rest of the flock by keeping her separated in the coop for a few days. Then let her out with them.. Of course they picked on her but it seems the rooster is the worst. I thought a rooster would accept a hen. I'm thinking of removing the rooster for about a week to see what happens and then letting him back with the hens and see if he accepts her. Does anyone think this is a good idea?
Thanks so much,
Susan
 
New bird is a juvenile and not a hen in the roosters eyes. A rooster is usually better about accepting chicks than hens are but is not as inclined to take on juveniles when he has hens already.

Also, how old is the rooster? If not fully adult he will be hard on all new birds.
 
Hi centrarchid, my rooster is about 2 years old. What would you suggest?
 
He is a cock (fully mature) so that is in your favor. Let pullet mature elsewhere then introduce when she is about to lay. If you could keep her close to balance of flock during that time you will notice a subtle change in her behavior and likely the rooster's indicating it is time for introduction.
 
I have a large rabbit hutch inside the chicken yard and she would be able to see the rest of the flock and they'd be able to see her. Would that be an appropriate place to put her until she matures?
 
It's a very good size hutch, not the kind you would buy at the feed store. My husband made it. It has a thick rubber mat on the floor and I put pine shavings on top. There's a perch and a small dog igloo she can go in. I've raised many chicks in there. It's very secure.
 

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