Advice On Integrating A Roo?

[Allie Grace Sanders]

If I get him I will be using the 'Canary' method with the dominant pullet. I will be quarantining him inside my garage in a dog crate. I'm just nervous that he could look healthy but have a disease. My girls have also been laying since mid August. And act like mature hens.

 

[aart]

The owner said I could try it, and after a few days bring him back if it's not working out. Yes I do have a small coop, but a very large run. I also keep the food and water outside. Do you still think it's a bad idea? I have to let the owner know today.

Well, at least you can take him back.
How small is 'small' in feet by feet?
Pics would help too.
A big run might not help one whit, unless it is predator and weather proof and you
live in a warm climate....so what is your general location in your state.

 

[Allie Grace Sanders]

Northwest Indiana. I'll go out and post pics if you need them.

 

[Allie Grace Sanders]

The coop itself is 3 1/2 X 4 ft. long.

 

[SueT]

I just integrated a 7 mo cockerel w my flock of 2 hens and 6 pullets who are a month older than he. Five of the pullets were immediately accepting of him, but because of the naysayers, and his shyness, I had to separate him in a partitioned part of the run and coop. After 3 weeks, and several trial meetings with one or more of the girls, it's all one big happy family now. So far, he is very polite to all the ladies and takes no for an answer. He's a bantam Cochin, the girls are various breeds/sizes.
I did not have the ability to truly quarantine him, so I relied on my questioning his former owner and just trusted it would be okay. I am not saying this is a good idea, but it's what I did. It's been a month, and so hopefully we are out of the woods. I guess we're never really out of the woods......
I got such good advice/counseling here on BYC 're this and other questions. I can't thank BYC community enough....

 

[Allie Grace Sanders]

We are about to go check him out...

 

[aart]

The coop itself is 3 1/2 X 4 ft. long.

That's about the right size for maybe 3-4 birds in your climate.

 

[SueT]

Allie Grace, No offense, but everyone's gonna tell you that you need a bigger coop...how do they all fit in there?

 

[Allie Grace Sanders]

There are three roosts. I already told the owner I would take him.

 

[SueT]

There are three roosts. I already told the owner I would take him.

Well if they all adore him, maybe they'll all scrunch together so they can squeeze him in.....