Chicken Ghetto
In the Brooder
Hi I recently started a backyard flock with 3 hens and a NHR Roo. Unfortunately my neighbors dog killed all three hens. That didn't stop me though I was just starting to enjoy the eggs so I ordered a batch of hens online(16 total) to get back on track. I have for the most part kept my rooster separate from the chicks. I kept the chicks in the coop and let the Roo free range. They are 8 weeks old now so I am letting them out in the run with my supervision. The Roo would run to the fence and just call them and some would stand at the fence by him. I thought this would be good for them to get use to one another until a chick got out and he forced it to mate. I felt really bad and afraid for the chicks. My Roo is big and almost pushing a year.
My question is when can I allow my rooster to mend the flock safely and how do I help the process go smoothly?
My question is when can I allow my rooster to mend the flock safely and how do I help the process go smoothly?