Do hens change ???

[dirtsaver]

when you introduce a rooster?

Here's the deal. We have the 14 hens we got as chicks last spring. All this time they have not had a rooster. Most of them see us as their roo, even though there is a "boss hen" of the group. They look to us for protection when out in the yard and some of them even demand to be picked up and held. If we are working outside they follow us everywhere we go, constantly talking to us and getting in the middle of what we are doing.

We have been thinking of getting a rooster and maybe at some point letting the hens hatch some chicks. If we introduce a roo will the hens attitude towards us change? Will they still be friendly and want to follow us and be held or will they focus their attention on the roo? It's getting close to chick time and we need to make up our minds soon. Any ideas or experiences?

Thanks
Larry

 

[ranchhand]

They'll focus more on the rooster, but still "sort of" pay attention to you. He will probably have to establish dominance of the flock and then he will be the one who leads them after you. Despite the occasional hassle of roosters, I love having one to lead and protect the flock!

 

[wbruder17]

I have a rooster and even HE follows me around, wants to be picked up and petted, and comes when I call. He actually helps me keep my girls in line.

 

[teach1rusl]

My girls were about 7 months old the first time I "tried" a rooster. It didn't go well. He was young, hormonal, and very rough with them. My flock was in upheaval for a month (I was determined to give it a month), at which time I rehomed the rooster. This spring I decided to try again. This time I went with an older rooster (2 yrs). He's just a bantam, so no fertilized eggs. But the girls respondto him very well, and he's good with them.
The downside is that the dynamic between the girls and me did change a little. They tend to hang pretty close to him (which is good, right?). But they still come running to me whenever I'm outside. So keeper of the treats weighs more heavily than protector I guess

And they do still squat for me, which makes me feel better for some odd reason...lol.

 

[FuzzyButtsFarm]

If they still squat for you. Your still the head roo