Getting a rooster! My first!

[jwyles]

Ok, so I'm not technically supposed to have roosters per word on the street but the town I live in is a little "country" and most in town chicken keepers have them and no one complains. So..... my neighbor is giving me a cinnamon queen cockerel to go with my mixed flock of 1 buff frizzle Cochin bantam, 1 gold laced Cochin bantam, 1 splash OE, 1 FBCM, 1 salmon faverolle, 1 lavender Ameraucana, 1 splash/ buff lace breasted EE, 1 blue wheaten EE, 1 light brahma. I cannot wait to hatch some chicks! Anyone have any idea what these crosses could make? Also, how should I go about introducing Rex (my roo) to the girls? Btw he is about 6 weeks old. Temps in 20s here (FYI). Can't wait to read all your advice and stories! TIA!!!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would not bring that type of rooster into a flock with bantams. You should be ready to separate out your bantams as they could get hurt having a bigger rooster mate them.

My bantam cochin frizzle hens feathers will wear off pretty quickly being mated by a bantam cochin rooster, a bigger rooster may be too much.

Your bantam cochins will probably be seen as easy to be mated too. Hopefully you have a backup plan to protect them.

As far as introducing him it's recommended to keep him penned separately but within sight so everyone becomes familiar with him before trying to release him under supervision.

 

[jwyles]

I would not bring that type of rooster into a flock with bantams. You should be ready to separate out your bantams as they could get hurt having a bigger rooster mate them.

My bantam cochin frizzle hens feathers will wear off pretty quickly being mated by a bantam cochin rooster, a bigger rooster may be too much.

Your bantam cochins will probably be seen as easy to be mated too. Hopefully you have a backup plan to protect them.

As far as introducing him it's recommended to keep him penned separately but within sight so everyone becomes familiar with him before trying to release him under supervision.

Thanks. And I do have a little separate area that's attached to the coop but barricaded with screen. They'll be able to communicate without contact. I was more worried about how long I should keep him in there since the hens are all mature and he's so young. And I have thought about the bantam situation but I've had so many tell me it's not an issue with their's I thought I would give it a try. But yes, I would absolutely get my little girls somewhere separate and protected if I feel like they're in danger.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I personally would keep him separately for at least a month, but you can try left in him out here and there to see how it's going. Sometimes it's simple, other times it seems impossible.

 

[8 Chicks 1967]

If it becomes a problem you could try this also.

I have zero experience with them,just knew they existed.

Really just depends on the rooster. Hope he's not a big boy. Mine turned into a 8lb der.

 

[jwyles]

I personally would keep him separately for at least a month, but you can try left in him out here and there to see how it's going. Sometimes it's simple, other times it seems impossible.

Ok thank you so much! I've been thinking and decided on a design for an awesome little bantam coop for my littles attached to my big coop. I want to keep them safe and I'm also getting a silkie and a d'uccle in the spring (gifts for my daughters) so I think I'll go ahead and add that on to keep everyone safe and happy. Also that way my kids can get in there and hang out with the bantams (as they're the pets anyway) and I won't have to worry about the roo hurting my lil girls. WIN WIN!

 

[red horse ranch]

A six week old rooster is still basically a baby so I would keep him separated for a couple of weeks until he gets a little bigger. If you have a place where they can see each other for a while it will help.The older hens will probably harass him at first so he needs a 'safe space' to get away from them when you do start putting him with them.
I love roosters and hope yours works out well for you.

 

[jwyles]

If it becomes a problem you could try this also.

I have zero experience with them,just knew they existed.

Really just depends on the rooster. Hope he's not a big boy. Mine turned into a 8lb der.

Thanks. My neighbor who gave him to me has his parents. His dad is an enormous RIR. They actually use a no crow collar on him with pretty good results.

 

[8 Chicks 1967]

 

[jwyles]

A six week old rooster is still basically a baby so I would keep him separated for a couple of weeks until he gets a little bigger. If you have a place where they can see each other for a while it will help.The older hens will probably harass him at first so he needs a 'safe space' to get away from them when you do start putting him with them.
I love roosters and hope yours works out well for you.

Thank you! I'm so excited. And yes he has a space where he'll be able to see and talk to everyone but they won't be able to get to him.