Can 6 week old roosters integrate with the flock with a mature rooster?

[thronesandroses]

We have three 6 week old chicks that have been living separately with the mother hen, and we are pretty positive all 3 chicks are roosters (see previous posts for photos)

My question is, can the 3 baby roosters live in the enclosed run with the mature rooster until they are older? We would like for them to get more mature to know for sure they are roosters before giving them away. At what age do all roosters need to be separated?

 

[esme13]

Can you add an escape area within the main enclosure ? It should be workable , there will be pecking. But a fenced in area where only the chicks can fit, this way if they get pecked they can run away into the safe area.

 

[WallyG74]

I’ve raised several little roos with my adult rooster. He never bothered them. It’s the hens you have to look out for. They can be quite mean to the little ones. All of my young roosters are gone now except for one. He is the offspring of my big guy and his protege. The juvenile is 5 months old now and has been in the coop with the big chickens since 5 weeks old.

 

[WallyG74]

Can you add an escape area within the main enclosure ? It should be workable , there will be pecking. But a fenced in area where only the chicks can fit, this way if they get pecked they can run away into the safe area.

We called it the hidey hole! A small corner in the coop made from hardware cloth where the little ones can seek refuge.

 

[Ryguy3684]

+1 to an escape area. It depends on the temperament of your rooster. @WallyG74 had the same experience I have had. My hens were much meaner to the babies than my rooster was. As far as age, my rooster left his son alone until he started trying to mate everything. Then he had to teach him who was boss. The only thing my little guy gets to mate is an old shoe.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Hens picking on cockerels is not necessarily a bad thing. They teach the little jerks, er I mean, the little guys, respect and manners.

 

[Chickassan]

If I could like this a million times it would be done.
This is an crucial step in getting respectful males even if it is awful to watch.

Hens picking on cockerels is not necessarily a bad thing. They teach the little jerks, er I mean, the little guys, respect and manners.

 

[Pollito Pelon]

Mt rooster was 3 months when he joined when he grew up and mature the dominant rooster would actually protect him if he heard him yell or something he would come running to see what was happening. They never fought but they knew their ranking.

 

[BarnyardChaos]

We have three 6 week old chicks that have been living separately with the mother hen, and we are pretty positive all 3 chicks are roosters (see previous posts for photos)

My question is, can the 3 baby roosters live in the enclosed run with the mature rooster until they are older? We would like for them to get more mature to know for sure they are roosters before giving them away. At what age do all roosters need to be separated?

I'd say it's time to separate them when the littles are crowing, have their full combs and wattles, and are challenging the older rooster to fight. Probably about 16-20 weeks of age. Until then, the hens will likely pick on them more than the rooster. Remember, he's programmed to protect his flock and settle differences. He will probably come to the little ones' aid if a hen gets too aggressive. My mature roosters don't bother the little roos one bit. We integrate our chicks into the flock at about 6-8 weeks of age.