Adding Rooster to Larger Flock

[DallasChickyMomma]

Hi all!

I have a flock of 21 chickens: 12 1 1/2 year old laying hens and 10 9 week pullets.

I am planning to add a rooster to the flock for protection as they free range our 2 acres, and while I have not had any predators yet, I did see two big vultures in the yard today, and the hens didn't make a sound, just quietly moseyed into the coop. Hoping a roo would at least alert me.

I am not interested in breeding and hatching eggs.

So here's my question: should I get one roo or two for a flock this size? The Roo's I'm looking at are only 12 weeks old, would this be an appropriate age to grow into the flock?

Anything else I should know/ponder?

 

[Peppercorngal]

First off, vultures don't eat live prey, they only eat dead things and are not threat to your flock. I would tend to try to find an older rooster that is guaranteed to be nice to humans. Young roosters can be rough with the hens and it's better to avoid the teenage hormones of roos! There is usually no lack of free roosters around! Just my opinion, good luck!

 

[DallasChickyMomma]

While they prefer carrion, black vultures are known to kill and eat things as large as newborn calves and chickens and so on. They were unmistakably tailing my pullets, I watched them for a good 15 minutes before I chased them off with a pitchfork.

I have read as much with the younger Roos being rough with the girls. I guess I will have to give some thought to that.

 

[aart]

Most folks are unaware of the black vultures.
Not sure a cockerel or two would be much help against BV's.
Your older hens might will probably beat the heck out of young males.
But it might be worth a try....just be prepared to isolate those boys if they cause too much trouble.

 

[Peppercorngal]

While they prefer carrion, black vultures are known to kill and eat things as large as newborn calves and chickens and so on. They were unmistakably tailing my pullets, I watched them for a good 15 minutes before I chased them off with a pitchfork.

I have read as much with the younger Roos being rough with the girls. I guess I will have to give some thought to that.

I've never heard of black vultures! I'm on the west coast so I be stupid. Forgive me. And good luck with your rooster acquisition! I hope all goes well.