Help! How do I introduce my rooster to his chicks?

[Mrwestburger]

I have two bantams. A hen and a rooster. About 4 weeks ago I decided to leave 2 eggs for Happy my hen to hatch. About 3 days before the chicks were ready to hatch Oliver my rooster started pecking at Happys head. I decided to remove Oliver for fear he would hurt Happy or the chicks. Both chicks hatched on schedule and are now a week old. I would like to introduce Oliver to the chicks but I'm not sure how long to wait and how to do it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Auntie]

Because of the natural pecking order I keep my chicks in a "baby" cage to keep out of danger. When I first started raising chickens I allowed the hen and chicks to run free with the flock, leaving it up to the mother to care for the babies like in the old days. Needless to say all the chicks died at some point. At least in the cage inside my coop, I can monitor them, cull out any that are sick or hurt, and supply chick food and water without them having to fight for it in the yard. They get let out of the cage when they look big enough to fend for themselves. Since you only have one hen and rooster, enclose a small "yard" for mother and chicks. That way the rooster can check them out without doing them harm and you have better access without having to chase them down if need be. Good luck!

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

Good advice from Auntie

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[SillyChicken]

I've always let the hens do their job when they hatch their own. They can be fiercly protective of their chicks. Most of the time the roos will investigate the chicks cause they are far more interested in the hen (or what they aren't getting from them) then the chicks. Put them together and watch how they interact. Remove the roo or chicks until they get older.

 

[sumi]

Hello and welcome to BYC

 

[Kevin565]

Sorry I can't be of assistance but

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio. So glad to have you aboard. Good luck.

 

[kidcody]

from washington state glad you joined us!