Adding pullets and a rooster

scottvan

Chirping
Oct 11, 2018
25
31
89
Puget Sound / Seattle
Hello, I currently have four hens who free range most of the day. I want to add three pullets and a rooster. I know I’m not going to add the pullets and the rooster at the same time, but which should I add first, the pullets or the rooster, or does it matter? I have a separate 4’ x 8’ enclosure to quarantine the new birds for a while while everyone gets used to each other. If I add the rooster first, are four hens enough until I can get the other three pullets?
 
If you add the pullets first, make sure they have a hay bale, or two to hide behind. Make sure you have waterers, and feeders on both ends of the coop. Established older birds tend to guard the waterers, and feeders, so the pullets can't eat, or drink. By putting them at opposite ends, they can grab some on the run.
 
I think I'd start with the rooster, so he gets established in the current flock. When you add the pullets, the established older girls are going to pick on the newcomers. You may even have to remove your two head hens for a few days, to stir things up in regards to pecking order, depending on how much they bully the newcomers. I've had to do this twice with the same hen, before she got the idea that she was not allowed to continuously bully the newcomers. This can take awhile to get the flock settled in good. A good rooster, on the other hand, will want peace in his flock, and will help protect the younger ones from the bullies. Not all roosters are good at this, but the odds are good that he will.
 
Thanks! Any suggestion on what kind of rooster? My hens are all Buff Orps, and I want to add Easter Eggers. The rooster will be to protect the hens from air assaults (eagles, hawks).
 

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