Addition to the flock

[atribby]

I introduced a new rooster to my flock 2 days ago. I have 18 hens around 14 weeks old and the rooster is around the same age. He’s very gentle and docile and allows me to hold him. My problem is that my hens chase him away from the food and water. I’ve had to seclude him to make sure that he’s getting enough to eat and drink throughout the day either by locking the hens in the coop or out in the run. I know there’s an adjustment period and the new pecking order has to be established. I feel like secluding him from the group could make behavior worse. I feel bad for him because he’s so sweet and they basically block him in a small corner and he doesn’t challenge them. Any advice?

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
Your pullets and this new cockerel all all pretty young, and so adult behaviors aren't developed yet.
Is this cockerel crowing? Was he crowing and trying to mate birds at his previous home? If not, he's not remotely mature enough to 'take over', and happily he's not harassing your pullets before they are ready to want to mate.
You should have at least two or three feeders and waterers for your birds, preferably in out of sight locations, so everyone can eat and drink without being chased.
Have him in an area in or next to your pullets, in sight and yet fenced off with hardware cloth, something so they can get acquainted without being chased. Then, if you free range, let him get familiar with the space before letting the whole flock outside at the same time.
Mary