Adding a rooster to the flock

[kara1015]

I have a flock of 10 girls, some are laying, some aren't yet. I just got a rooster today, he's 16 months and super friendly (see avatar). I am going to quarantine him for a few weeks... but any suggestions on adding him to the rest? Is it the same as adding new pullets... or can I just throw him in there and he'll take over? Thanks!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

At 16 months of age, just say, "Ladies, here is your rooster!"

(I am quoting someone else on BYC but I forget whom.)

But things will always be smoother if they can see each other through fencing first.

 

[farmer boy]

with my rooster i have free standing pens so he stay'ed in there for a few days then let him out with the hens and my big roo now my young roo is the alpha lol .. but i just put him out and he took over thats all i did but it depends on the roo i guess

 

[teach1rusl]

I've only added similarly to adding other hens/pullets. I just think it's nice to have a slight chance to adapt to one another through the safety of wire first... Pretty roo by the way - hope his manners with the girls are just a pretty...

 

[kara1015]

He's super friendly... and very docile. Which is just what I wanted. I hope he's nice to the girls.