Adding Roo to flock NEED ADVICE

[gointothebirdsfarm]

I dont blame you for finishing out your feed. I would do the same...no point in wasting it. I also use oyster shell, with laying crumbles for nutrition and egg production, and cracked corn. They are all very happy, healthy, and very productive ( many times an egg per chicken per day) so...

 

[sunsetfarms170]

Thanks everyone. We are adjusting ok. He is still in his 'cage', and we have taken him out twice with supervision. We have noticed one of our hens dislikes him very much it seems. She even goes as far as chasing him around the outside of the cage and pecking him through the cage. All others seems curious but ok. Although when he has been out he has pecked a few neck feathers of our sweet girls. I'm assuming this is normal in pecking order.

When will I know if he is too aggressive for our girls?

 

[aart]

When will I know if he is too aggressive for our girls?

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.

 

[getaclue]

I agree with aart. As long as there is no real bloodshed, they will work it out. The one hen is the alpha of the flock. He's got to assume that role. As he assumes his alpha role, he will get her under control too.

 

[JoePa]

When you have all hens and no rooster generally one hen becomes the boss acting like a rooster would - protecting the other hens and acting like a big tough guy - this happened one time - the boss hen actually came after me when I stepped into the run

 

[FluffyBottomBantams]

Have you quarantined him for a bit to make sure he isn’t bringing anything into your flock? Good Roosters are a lot of fun, they tend to have lots of personality !

 

[sunsetfarms170]

All is going great. Our bossy Golden is still not a fan but they are coexisting well. He is fast on his feet and dodges her pretty well

 

[getaclue]

Just make sure there is more than one feeder, and waterer, so she can't prevent him from eating/drinking. He's young, but soon he will assume his role as guardian of the flock, and get them all in order. When he does, he'll probably put them in "training". He'll teach them his calls, like for predator warnings, and teach them to get as far back behind him, as possible. It might appear he's bullying one or two, if they don't do as they should. Not to worry, it's part of the training. They'll learn to come when he calls them for treats too.