Giving away one of my roosters, will my flock be ok?

[Tiny raptor]

HI all, silly question probably, but, I have 2 roosters and 8 hens. They are all about 2 months old, one of the roosters is just starting to crow and be a roo. The one I want to rehome is a little bantam cochin, he isn't aggressive or anything and he will be going to my friend's house to be with her flock of 3 hens. Anyways.. lol I know people rehome roos and change their flocks all the time, but I guess I was just curious what I should expect from my flock once he leaves. They have all been together since they were about 4 days old. Thank you for any incite.

 

[MARTFAMCHICKENS]

Expect a re-establishing of the pecking order of your flock and ultimately, the flock will settle in to the new dynamic. Also expect stress and feather picking in your hens, for this can be slightly unsettling for them.

Did any of your hens have a deep relationship with that rooster?

 

[TheFaithfulFarmerMomma]

Expect a dramatic chicken soap opera for about five minutes, then business as usual. They’ll forget he ever existed… brutal but true.

 

[berlyannpotter]

I just went through the same thing. My rooster that was kept is experiencing some distress and has been louder. He has been with me more than usual. Hopefully he gets used to the changes soon. Good luck to you!

 

[Tiny raptor]

Expect a re-establishing of the pecking order of your flock and ultimately, the flock will settle in to the new dynamic. Also expect stress and feather picking in your hens, for this can be slightly unsettling for them.

Did any of your hens have a deep relationship with that rooster?

I mean, i dont think so. They all still sleep very close together at night, and during the day they just do chicken stuff. They are still pretty young.

 

[Tiny raptor]

I just went through the same thing. My rooster that was kept is experiencing some distress and has been louder. He has been with me more than usual. Hopefully he gets used to the changes soon. Good luck to you!

Thank you. I'm kind of sad to do it, but I didn't want the bantam size in my flock, and with them all still being so young I'm hoping the transition is quick and easy for them all.

 

[Mrs. K]

I have never had disquiet last for more than two days, and most of the time, it has no effect at all. Like they don't even notice he is gone.