Depressed Rooster

[GHFarmGirl]

I adopted a rooster and 2 chickens that lived next door when my neighbors moved away several months ago. Originally there were 12 who lived in a big pine tree after being hatched in the woods by one of their hens. Over the years, 9 have died due to various predators. They have free-ranged through my yard for 4 years now.
Now, back to the issue... In the last 2 months both of remaining hens were killed by hawks as they were free-ranging. Now all that remains is the rooster. I have a flock of 10 of my own that live in an enclosed run. My rooster died a few months ago. The outdoor rooster “Kellogg” hangs around their run most of the day or wanders through the yard making a heart-wrenching cry as though he is calling out for his girls to come home. It’s breaking my heart. I have tried getting close to him, but he is skiddish. I thought about opening the run door to see if he would join my hens, but I’m not sure that he could handle that after being wild and living in a tree for 4 years. Any thoughts on what to do would be appreciated.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

He wants to join your flock, I would open the door and let him come in.... perhaps luring him in with treats if he's too skittish. I'm sure with time he will make your coop his new home.

 

[GHFarmGirl]

He wants to join your flock, I would open the door and let him come in.... perhaps luring him in with treats if he's too skittish. I'm sure with time he will make your coop his new home.

Thanks for the suggestion. We tried it and he went in within 8 minutes! You were right! He seemed right at home and since my hens are used to seeing him, only 2 had a bit of a hissy fit until he set them in line. Thanks again!

 

[aart]

He wasn't calling to his deceased girls, he was calling to his new ones.
How he will react long term to being confined remains to be seen,
hopefully your coop and run are of generous sizes.

 

[GHFarmGirl]

He wasn't calling to his deceased girls, he was calling to his new ones.
How he will react long term to being confined remains to be seen,
hopefully your coop and run are of generous sizes.

 

[GHFarmGirl]

Thanks for your reply. I checked on him this morning and all is well. He seems very relaxed as do the girls. My run is about 20ft x 7ft and large coop as well. Not as nice as the great outdoors, but fully predator proof unlike the yard. I feel much safer now that he’s in there as we have had a pack of coyotes in the area lately.

 

[Mrs. K]

I agree, this is going to work well for all of you! He is a lucky guy, safe digs, and new girls!

 

[adickenscoop]

I think it would be better for him to be protected and alive then left outside to get picked off by another predator.

 

[aart]

Thanks for your reply. I checked on him this morning and all is well. He seems very relaxed as do the girls. My run is about 20ft x 7ft and large coop as well. Not as nice as the great outdoors, but fully predator proof unlike the yard. I feel much safer now that he’s in there as we have had a pack of coyotes in the area lately.

He'll be fine, probably very happy with all those new girls, like a pig in shshshsMUD!
Mature cockbird usually the easiest integration.