FR New Roo wants next-door hens

[ErvinFlock]

Please be kind, new chicken mom. Any input would be helpful.

Heres the deal, we got a cockerel for our 10 pullets, they are about 4+ mos old and not laying yet. My ladies free range during the day, locked up at night. They are mixed breeds, hopefully the leghorn will mature soon. I marked my calendar for her to begin laying this week from breed averages.

The new Cockerel (named Russell Crow) has happily joined the flock after his quarantine, then spent a few days in the run and coop, then went on to free range with his new flock for a week with no issues. Now he's roamed across the fence and next door to the neighbors two mature egg laying hens. The neighbors do NOT lock up their chickens at all. They take free range to another level. I have heard them loose many chickens at night while not locked up. I don't want him to fall victim to predators and will go get him if I can catch him before bed tonight.

What should I do to keep my cockerel from joining the neighbors mature flock of 2? Keep him locked up (in pen/run, and no free ranging) till my leghorn matures? (Next month another couple of the breeds should be maturing too.)

 

[ErvinFlock]

 

[ErvinFlock]

Update: he came home for the night. Should I keep him from free ranging and possibly roaming next door again tomorrow?

 

[JadeFarms]

Update: he came home for the night. Should I keep him from free ranging and possibly roaming next door again tomorrow?

Lock him up for a few days so he stays, you might need to lock him up longer if he does it again. I had a couple of mine do it and I had to keep them locked up for three weeks because they kept going over there and now they stay here. Don’t let him out because he WILL try it again. He’s a very handsome boy by the way!!

 

[ErvinFlock]

Lock him up for a few days so he stays, you might need to lock him up longer if he does it again. I had a couple of mine do it and I had to keep them locked up for three weeks because they kept going over there and now they stay here. Don’t let him out because he WILL try it again. He’s a very handsome boy by the way!!

Thank you for your reply and experience!

 

[Ruthster55]

Agree with the others to lock the rooster up for a while so he won't roam next door.

Just wanted to say that you have beautiful chickens! Welcome to BYC!

 

[Mrs. K]

I would not be surprised if he brings the neighbor birds home. Roosters really do not understand these hens are mine those are yours. it is a good sign that he came home to his coop, but he will want all “his” girls together.

 

[ErvinFlock]

My roo has offspring!
All but the polish sitting on the hens back are his! I can’t wait to see what they come out looking like and laying! I’m really happy one Welsummer egg hatched. How exciting!