Hens Running Rooster

[Charlies Angels 2020]

I brought home a bantam cochin rooster last year and added to my standard flock of 20 hens. They accepted him and he is a good protector. He mates alot but due to his size we will never have chicks. So about 8 weeks ago I was gifted a 12 week standard RIR Rooster. The hens still chase him off when they eat and he has a time trying to mate. He is very timid and runs very easy. Is there anything I can do to make his transistion a bit easier? I thought it would get easier with time, but that hasnt happend. He sleeps with them and roams with them, but it's at a distance. Any advice is welcome.

 

[MysteryChicken]

There's a size difference, plus he's young.

For younger birds, I raise between (3months, depending on breed) 4 - 4½ to 5 months, of age before introducing to an adult established flock.

Bantams can breed large hens, have you checked the eggs for fertility?

 

[Charlies Angels 2020]

I watch the bantam. He never connects. He's way to short for my girls.
Do you think my rooster will ever fit in?

 

[MysteryChicken]

I watch the bantam. He never connects. He's way to short for my girls.
Do you think my rooster will ever fit in?

I'd still check the eggs for a bullseye, or incubate a few.

Yes, it will take time, just make him his own area to be protected until he's large enough. Try the see no touch technique.

 

[Charlies Angels 2020]

I'd still check the eggs for a bullseye, or incubate a few.

Yes, it will take time, just make him his own area to be protected until he's large enough. Try the see no touch technique.

See, no touch?

 

[MysteryChicken]

See, no touch?

Yeah, pen area with shelter. The other older birds can see the newb, but can't touch them.

 

[Charlies Angels 2020]

Yeah, pen area with shelter. The other older birds can see the newb, but can't touch them.

He has already been out about 8 weeks. And he is larger than any of the grils. Do you still suggest I try that?

 

[MysteryChicken]

He has already been out about 8 weeks. And he is larger than any of the grils. Do you still suggest I try that?

So, he's not 12 weeks old anymore? He'd be 20 weeks old now, if my math is correct.

At this age, he won't need the see no touch, getting slapped around by the older hens should teach him manners which is a good thing. But if the picking is too bad, see no touch would be good to use.

 

[3KillerBs]

So about 8 weeks ago I was gifted a 12 week standard RIR Rooster. The hens still chase him off when they eat and he has a time trying to mate.

So, he's not 12 weeks old anymore? He'd be 20 weeks old now, if my math is correct.

At 12 weeks he was still barely more than a baby -- think of dumping a 13yo boy in the middle of a Ladies' book club.

At 20 weeks he's a teenager -- having progressed to the high school boy with a Fake ID trying to impress adult women at a nightclub.

Just let him grow up and things should work out.

 

[Charlies Angels 2020]

At 12 weeks he was still barely more than a baby -- think of dumping a 13yo boy in the middle of a Ladies' book club.

At 20 weeks he's a teenager -- having progressed to the high school boy with a Fake ID trying to impress adult women at a nightclub.

Just let him grow up and things should work out.

I guess it was . He was so big at 12 weeks, I didn't have anywhere else to keep him. I hope it works out soon, I feel so sorry for him.