- Apr 20, 2013
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We have 14 chicks/pullets ranging from 6-9 weeks old. When can we introduce an adult rooster to live with our flock?
Thanks for the help!
Thanks for the help!
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My experience is the total opposite. My adult roosters don't try to breed pullets until their combs redden and they're sexually mature. Juvenile roosters can mature faster than pullets of the same age and try to mate an unready pullet, but it's usually not dangerous to her as they're roughly the same size and she can get away from him.Don't introduce him to pullets less than 18 weeks old. He's going to want to breed them and you don't want him hurting a pullet that is too young.
They will settle down in a few days. But I think the smart thing to do would to keep them separate where they can still see each other. Then when the chicks are at least eight weeks old limit the time together till you see how things are going. Truth is you really don't know how easily an adult will accept chicks. When a broody raises chicks with the flock experienced about chicks, the chicks can wander far from mom among the adults without worry. But a single bird with an unknown experience with chicks, without a broody sponsor, you never know how it will go. So give them time to grow a little more and get used to each other through wire.I have some 5-6 week old pullets and recently received a adult roosters things went well upon introduction for about 2 hours then he started being kind of bad. Will things settle down in a few days. We have been given them separate outside time an locking him up at night.
My experience is the total opposite. My adult roosters don't try to breed pullets until their combs redden and they're sexually mature. Juvenile roosters can mature faster than pullets of the same age and try to mate an unready pullet, but it's usually not dangerous to her as they're roughly the same size and she can get away from him.
If I had an adult rooster that tried to mate immature pullets I'd cull him.
I've never been in that position, so I can't really say. I've always had adult hens. I wouldn't put just one hen in, more are better to spread the love around.Well, if there are no hens for him, will he get upset? I could put a hen in with him, as well.