I have a flock of hens, 5 buff orpingtons, 5 barred rocks, and 6 silver laced wyandottes. In the spring they will be two years old. I purposely did not get a rooster because my neighbors are a bit close and I didn't want to generate any noise complaints.
So now I'm thinking I want to "borrow" a rooster for a little while. I'd like to replenish the flock and watch my hens raise some young.
My questions are:
Is borrowing a rooster a good idea?
*Should I worry about the flock accepting him?
*Should I worry about introducing disease?
When is the best time to bring him over? (I'm guessing mid spring, I live in eastern PA and it can be pretty cold in March and April)
How long should he stay? I only want 8 or so healthy hens out of this in the end.
Thanks for your advice!
So now I'm thinking I want to "borrow" a rooster for a little while. I'd like to replenish the flock and watch my hens raise some young.
My questions are:
Is borrowing a rooster a good idea?
*Should I worry about the flock accepting him?
*Should I worry about introducing disease?
When is the best time to bring him over? (I'm guessing mid spring, I live in eastern PA and it can be pretty cold in March and April)
How long should he stay? I only want 8 or so healthy hens out of this in the end.
Thanks for your advice!