Baby Chicks - Adding a Cockerel to Pullets

[CayChickBehr]

We are new to chicks. We bought six ISA Browns and they are now about two and a half/three weeks old. We got a rooster yesterday. He is a bantam Rhode Island Red about four weeks old. We had the roo next to the girls in his own brooder all yesterday and last night. This morning we put him in with the girls. He’s about their size, maybe a bit bigger at the moment but eventually he will be a bit smaller than them. We know that raising chicks together goes better than introducing a new bird once the flock is more established. So here’s my question: I’m keeping a close watch on them and so far there has been some “dancing” which I understand is a dominance thing. Mostly over the food. Not really pecking at each other. They have all been napping together under the red heat bulb on and off. I am thinking that I could put him back into his own brooder that is right next to the girls but I’m not sure if that’s the right move. Should I just let them be together and figure things out as long as everything continues how it’s been going (no injuries - no vicious pecking - etc.) or should I put him where I know he will be safe if I can’t watch them? Or is there a statute of limitation? If he’s in there all day today is that enough time for me to know that no one will be hurt from then on? Advice is sincerely appreciated! We love our babies. I attached a picture of the roo (dark brown) chilling with his new ladies (light yellow).

 

[MountainWoman73]

Yeah. They should be okay together. Play-fighting / chest-bumping is normal and fine.

You did the right thing by introducing him in a see-but-don't touch situation first, and then monitoring their first interactions. Good job.

 

[aart]

Sounds fine, just keep a close eye for the next day or two.
Separating then reintroducing could cause more problems.
That young and close in age is usually pretty easy as long as they have enough space.