1yr old Rooster, 2 month old hens

[CrisAnderson27]

So...I have 20 barred rock hens that are almost 9wks old. I know they can't lay yet...not for another minimum 8wks or more. I have an opportunity to pick up a high quality rooster that is 1yr old. I have one available coop and run...though I have some other possible options for places to keep him....but it would be better if they could be together.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[chicklove14]

I would keep them separated because they are still fragile and still growing.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'd suggest you try it if you consider him a quality rooster and really want a rooster. A good rooster takes care of all members of his flock, though not all roosters are good. Some roosters are pretty good about adopting chicks and taking care of them, either helping a broody hen or just adopting them himself. Some, certainly not all. Most mature roosters will not try to mate with pullets until they are old enough. Immature roosters, called cockerels, are different. Some mature roosters act more like cockerels.

I say try it and observe. Have a Plan B ready in case it doesn't work out.

 

[Boccom]

my barred rocks started laying at four months what do you mean another 10 months mininum

 

[Boccom]

whoops sorry thought you meant months not weeks

 

[CrisAnderson27]

whoops sorry thought you meant months not weeks

I was going to say....I didn't say that!

 

[CrisAnderson27]

I'd suggest you try it if you consider him a quality rooster and really want a rooster. A good rooster takes care of all members of his flock, though not all roosters are good. Some roosters are pretty good about adopting chicks and taking care of them, either helping a broody hen or just adopting them himself. Some, certainly not all. Most mature roosters will not try to mate with pullets until they are old enough. Immature roosters, called cockerels, are different. Some mature roosters act more like cockerels.

I say try it and observe. Have a Plan B ready in case it doesn't work out.

I just realized I'll need the plan B as plan A anyway...since I'll need a 30 day quarantine area regardless!

But it's good to know someone with more experience thinks it's worth trying out. The quarantine time will also give the girls a bit more time to grow out some...which is to the good. Add in time for transition, and it may not be as much of an issue.

 

[Boccom]

I introduced my chicks at 4 weeks and they arent fragile is the rooster all alone if so put them with him quick he would be lonely

 

[CrisAnderson27]

I introduced my chicks at 4 weeks and they arent fragile is the rooster all alone if so put them with him quick he would be lonely

Mine at 8wks or so are solid birds...they've been in the coop since about 2wks, and in the run like grown chickens pretty much from 4wks on.

This was at 5.5wks old:

Yes, the rooster will be by himself, barring some strange twist of available birds I'm unaware of lol. I still need to quarantine him though...so there's that to think about. Either way he's going to be by himself awhile.

 

[Mrs. K]

Most people worry about a rooster mating a chick. But I think the comb color has a lot to do with attraction for a rooster. As a mature rooster won't (but he needs to be mature) until just before they start to lay.

A true quarantine is hard to do, in a small set up, nearly impossible. And you either do quarantine or you are pretending. So if you can't, take a darn good look at the bird, split his feathers, look deep for mice, check his legs - any signs of mites, if he is coughing or sneezing DO NOT take him. It is not fool proof, but generally healthy looks healthy.

With a rooster, always have a plan B - but I am with Ridgerunner, I think it will work. Do make sure you have multiple feed stations, and a couple of hide outs, and roosts.

Mrs K