Boy do I have a problem...

[Lee912]

I recently found out that out of my 4 chickens 2 are roosters!! 1 is a RRR and the other is an Asian Black which I believe is a new hybrid. So far there have been no problems but that is because they are only 14 weeks old. I would like to get rid of the roosters (although I am very attached already) and replace with 2 hens, my question is how do I go about this? Are there places that will take roosters? Can I introduce some new hens without a problem? Oy this is not what I wanted so any help is much appreciated!

 

[alexa009]

Definitely don't keep two hens with two roosters if you don't want trouble to occur. You might even risk mortality. You either need an additional six hens, or one of the roosters needs to go. They are still very young and won't show any male behavior yet. Once they start hitting 6 months of age, there will be continuous fighting and overbreeding with the hens. Once your roosters hit about 7 months they most likely won't have any relationship with you anymore. You are most likely to be susceptible of getting attacked. Otherwise, taming your rooster will just encourage aggression as they hit maturity.

 

[Mrs. K]

You do need to get rid of the roosters. It will be much better to have an all hen flock in those smaller set ups.

So you can advertise on Craigs list both ways - roosters for free... do not ask questions, once the birds are theirs, they are theirs.

I got hit had by coons again, and I asked for laying hens, and got some lovely birds for $5.00 a head, that were laying. You might get some older birds, but that would work for now, and next year, you should think of adding and subtracting to your flock each year.

 

[aart]

Can I introduce some new hens without a problem?

Maybe, takes some time, effort, and extra space.
Adding birds older than day old chicks often carries the risk of bringing in pests and disease.

Here's some tips and links to get you started.....

Consider biological/medical quarantine:
BYC Medical Quarantine Article
BYC 'quarantine' search


Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

This used to be a better search, new format has reduced it's efficacy, but still:
Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading, BUT some info is outdated IMO:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

 

[Lee912]

Thanks for all the feedback, I am getting ready to re-home the roosters and am buying 2 new hens!