Adding new pullets to existing flock

[jennking412]

I’m not certain he was going to mount / breed her... I was there and stopped the action when she started the fretful sound... the first encounter with them a total gent, he was incredible... I feel like maybe a dominance move ... I will try again this evening...
The females have entered the pullet area only one at a time... the adults free range and the pullet coop and fenced area area is in close proximity to the adults coop and they are only divided by fence,
I realize conflict is part of it...
Just nervous and would love guidance... trying to avoid carnage...
Thanks for any input

 

[aart]

It's hard to watch, hard not to step in too soon.
Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

 

[jennking412]

I just tried again ... I think he is trying to breed... It’s very hard to watch...
Maybe back to the adult girls for a change...
I thought at a little over a year he was mature... learning prob not ...

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I just tried again ... I think he is trying to breed... It’s very hard to watch...
Maybe back to the adult girls for a change...
I thought at a little over a year he was mature... learning prob not ...

When in doubt, fence him out. If you think you are seeing behaviors you are uncomfortable with than follow that gut feeling. It won't hurt to leave him out of the loop for a while. I routinely see year old roosters making poor choices, they often are just following their urges, and hormones their first spring, by the second spring many are much better.

 

[drumstick diva]

I agree with oldhenlikesdogs. But I also wonder if people think they NEED to have a rooster.

I am a new members greeter and it seems like almost every one that orders or picks out chicks/chickens always want a cockerel to go with it. If they get different breeds, they think they have to get a cockerel of each breed also.

Then when the cockerel starts being a rooster, they just don't know how to cope with him.
Before they know it "here comes trouble."

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I agree with oldhenlikesdogs. But I also wonder if people think they NEED to have a rooster.

I am a new members greeter and it seems like almost every one that orders or picks out chicks/chickens always want a cockerel to go with it. If they get different breeds, they think they have to get a cockerel of each breed also.

Then when the cockerel starts being a rooster, they just don't know how to cope with him.
Before they know it "here comes trouble."

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It's hard to watch, hard not to step in too soon.
Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

I actually stand and referee my chicks mingling the first week, and into the second if necessary. Mine are penned in a separate pen within the shed, after a week of them being in that pen I open the door and see what happens.

Oftentimes within 10 minutes I'm rounding up chicks and locking them back up until the next day because things are getting a bit too rough. Next day I do the same, and on and on until I feel comfortable walking away.

I don't allow any rough pecking during that first week. Many times I see nothing, but occasionally a bird seems to have a problem. I always take it slowly. I have never had any injuries or lost any chicks. I've invested time and money into my chicks, I'd rather take it more slowly for a good outcome.

 

[jennking412]

I love my rooster, I only have one and he is a beautiful addition to addition to my flock...I do not brood or incubate eggs for chicks.
In his little pea sized brain his only instinct is to breed and protect.
Oldhenslikedogs stated if it was behavior I’m not comfortable with...
Hence, me being the issue...I’m just not wanting to rush things...they are now 12 weeks,
So my question might be ... is why would one not want a rooster ?

 

[aart]

So my question might be ... is why would one not want a rooster ?

Because they can be a real PITA.
There are many reasons.
Many folks don't want, or have the time, to deal with what you are dealing with right now. Some male birds can be a real challenge to manage, and some people don't understand bird behaviors well enough to manage it effectively or efficiently.
It can be scary as hell having a bird attack you, thrice(or more) as scary when there are small children involved. Some folks just don't have the space, or want the noise or....I could go on and on. I will always have a cock/erel around, but understand it's not for everyone.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I love my rooster, I only have one and he is a beautiful addition to addition to my flock...I do not brood or incubate eggs for chicks.
In his little pea sized brain his only instinct is to breed and protect.
Oldhenslikedogs stated if it was behavior I’m not comfortable with...
Hence, me being the issue...I’m just not wanting to rush things...they are now 12 weeks,
So my question might be ... is why would one not want a rooster ?

I currently have 4 large breed roosters and 9 adult bantam roosters. I like roosters, and I have managed some through their adolescence, and most turn out fine after they are fully mature. A one year old rooster is similar to an 18 year old man, they don't always make the best decisions either at that age. I generally wait until mine are at least 2 years before I fully judge their character. I thankfully have lots of room to manage them, and have lots of hens.

Some roosters are better than others but most look out for my girls while they are out ranging, and generally keep the peace. Novice owners often do have problems with roosters. A good rooster is a great asset, and I'm always willing to give them a chance here.