Hens aren’t accepting new rooster. I need a protector

[bobbi-j]

Looks like you've done your research! The look but no touch method of introduction doesn't guarantee no scuffles, but I think it helps reduce the intensity of them, anyway.

You are doing great with your new flock. This chicken thing has a high learning curve sometimes. As hard as it is to lose birds, I chalk it up to learning experience. Last winter I had a mink get into my chicken coop. Took care of the mink, and thought I took care of the problem. (I was pretty sure it was coming through the pop door at night, so I closed the pop door.) Last summer, *something* got into the run during the day and killed a bunch of chickens. We were on vacation, so my mom was chicken sitting. She kept them locked in the closed, locked coop, and more were killed. I definitely need to secure that before I get more chickens.

Wishing you all the best with your flock!

 

[Skipper81]

Thank you all for replying
Not only am I new to this page I’m also new to the ‘chicken life’. I’m always researching & learning.

Ok so to answer y’alls question he is going to be a year next month. My hens will be a year come next April.

He’s a lavender Orpington. The hens (8) are Isa Browns

I separated the run & kept them separate for awhile to let them get to know one another before I put him in there. I even did the 30 day incubation period to make sure he wasn’t sick.

I have not let them free range together yet bc the hawks are so bad this time of year. All last summer I let the hens free range so don’t worry I plan on doing that again.

When I walk in he is always right there to see what I’m doing.

I have a HUGE run. I actually think I made it too big. 70x50.
Reason I say that is bc that made it hard to cover.

My setup:
my coop (w hardware cloth, doors, ramp, nesting boxes) is inside two huge metal dog cage w doors & cover this is where food is.
Then a huge run connected to that, so they can run around. Inside the run is a huge tree & 2 shrubs.

So like I said I’m new to this, I didn’t realize the run had to be covered at first. I even dug down in the ground around run to make fence deeper I thought I was doing everything I was suppose to. Of course I didn’t mean my babies any harm. The first chicken I lost was this January. I then got an aviary net to cover run. While I was waiting on amazon to deliver I made them stay in dog cage part. Well the hawk found a weak spot and got another one. I think he got in by a bush. I then got fishing line and put that up over the netting bc I heard that keeps them away too. So I have not lost anymore since then but the hawks are ALWAYS lurking

We are actually in the process of turning our shed (16x20) into a coop & make a smaller more secure run on the other side of the yard.

P.s. I’ve let the ladies out to free range while I was out recently and there were 2 hawks circling around. The chickens didn’t take cover or anything. After reading yalls reply’s I’m wondering why they didn’t run & hide. That worries me.
I ended up put them back in the coop/run bc they wouldn’t quit circling

No experience yet at this but here's my advice I would get a fake owl maybe and I read orpingtons choose bottom of the pecking order so he might take awhile to come around with all the older tougher ladies
Only my thoughts good luck

 

[Skipper81]

Oh and another thought fake gaurd dog of some sort

 

[Chelsa'sChicks]

I have 3 dogs and walk them around the barn. Their potty keeps the predators out. If you have a dog you could do that. I have had more problems with oppsums looking for eggs and killing hens in the past. So I keep peanut butter on a slice of bread in a box trap in the barn.
Certain predators do specific things or only eat specific things on a chicken.. this may help
http://articles.extension.org/pages/71204/predator-management-for-small-and-backyard-poultry-flocks

 

[bobbi-j]

No experience yet at this but here's my advice I would get a fake owl maybe and I read orpingtons choose bottom of the pecking order so he might take awhile to come around with all the older tougher ladies
Only my thoughts good luck

The fake owl and guard dog might work for a while, but I think eventually the hawks would catch on that the thing isn't moving.

 

[Chelsa'sChicks]

The fake owl and guard dog might work for a while, but I think eventually the hawks would catch on that the thing isn't moving.

I agree. It' more for temporary even if they have the moving head and owl noises.

 

[Finnfarm]

I just did this back in August! I have a younger BO due to my old rooster died protecting the hens from a coon. All hens were safe. Mine have always had one so they immediately accepted him. Also how young or old is your rooster compared to your hens? My BO is going to be 1 year old in may. He didn't know to direct them then because he was a boy among women.. still learning his job. Now that he is older he guides them around and is protecting them, but he is still young and learning. Eventually they will find their order. Have your hens ever had a rooster before?

Regarding your hawks I always have 2 hawks that are the size of a 12 pound dog. If your yard is not well shaded with trees when they free range they are not as well protected as they could be. My birds have free ranged for years. I rarely lose a hen. The rooster will warn and guide the ladies once they are all used to each other. My birds on very sunny days will not be out in the open (or far from brush or trees) to run to. Your rooster will get better. They mature and grow until they are 2 years old for some breeds. My rooster just chased a bunny in the barn lol not exactly a predator, but point is my rooster is younger then yours and already protecting them. Your roo just needs to get used to the hens as my rooster is already adjusted to my hens.

My rooster is just a month older than the ladies. He will be a year old come spring. Thank you for your reply

 

[Finnfarm]

I have 3 dogs and walk them around the barn. Their potty keeps the predators out. If you have a dog you could do that. I have had more problems with oppsums looking for eggs and killing hens in the past. So I keep peanut butter on a slice of bread in a box trap in the barn.
Certain predators do specific things or only eat specific things on a chicken.. this may help
http://articles.extension.org/pages/71204/predator-management-for-small-and-backyard-poultry-flocks

Thank you. I really appreciate it

 

[Finnfarm]

Looks like you've done your research! The look but no touch method of introduction doesn't guarantee no scuffles, but I think it helps reduce the intensity of them, anyway.

You are doing great with your new flock. This chicken thing has a high learning curve sometimes. As hard as it is to lose birds, I chalk it up to learning experience. Last winter I had a mink get into my chicken coop. Took care of the mink, and thought I took care of the problem. (I was pretty sure it was coming through the pop door at night, so I closed the pop door.) Last summer, *something* got into the run during the day and killed a bunch of chickens. We were on vacation, so my mom was chicken sitting. She kept them locked in the closed, locked coop, and more were killed. I definitely need to secure that before I get more chickens.

Wishing you all the best with your flock!

Thank you. Sorry to hear about your hen

 

[Finnfarm]

What kind of rooster?

Lavender Orpington