How best to introduce a rooster to my existing flock

[krisa]

I've waited the appropriate amount of time before introducing a 4 month old rooster to my existing hens. I'm nervous about how best to do the introduction this weekend. It seems the general wisdom is to wait til 45 minutes or so after dark and then put him in with the hens, but it seems like a long time to have him in there in case something goes awry. Is this considered the best way? Or is early morning also considered reliable? Looking for some experienced wisdom and reassurance.... Thanks!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Release him in the morning with them so you can see how it goes for a longer period of time.

 

[RWise]

I myself take all cockerel from the flock at 4 months old. IF I chose to keep 1 or more to grow up, it is done in private quarters, in site of the flock. No cockerel/rooster less than 1YO is ever on my flock, and I prefer 2YOs. I do not want these hormonal things tearing up my girls!
In short I would wait until he is at least 1YO to let him out on the flock!
Good luck!!

 

[aart]

I've waited the appropriate amount of time before introducing a 4 month old rooster to my existing hens.

What does this mean?

At 4mo he's still a 'baby'...the older birds will likely kick the crap out of him.

Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

 

[krisa]

Thanks for the input and suggestions. I ended up introducing them by releasing him to free range along with my hens and it was a total non event. Figured I'd give the girls ample space in case they wanted to get away. Everybody got along great - it was as if he'd always been a part of their little flock. I think he's a particularly mellow rooster.

Rwise very interesting to read your approach that you wait til roosters are 2yo. Duly noted for future reference.

aart - what I meant by "waiting the appropriate amount of time' was I kept him apart in an adjacent enclosure from my girls for 3 weeks to make sure he wasn't sick as I'd gotten him from an acquaintance. That also gave everyone time to see and get used to each other before putting them in the same space. Seems to have worked, so much relieved!

 

[aart]

aart - what I meant by "waiting the appropriate amount of time' was I kept him apart in an adjacent enclosure from my girls for 3 weeks to make sure he wasn't sick as I'd gotten him from an acquaintance. That also gave everyone time to see and get used to each other before putting them in the same space. Seems to have worked, so much relieved!

Ahhh, good, that can really help.
Glad it worked out!
How old are your hens?
Did they all go to roost together?

 

[Tesumph]

That’s awesome everything worked out! I hope he matures into a gentleman. For the future, quarantining new birds involves housing them as far away from your existing flock as possible, and practicing somewhat strict hygiene (handling him last, washing hands, changing clothes). Unfortunately if he had something contagious, a close adjacent run would allow it to be spread. Just FYI, I had my whole flock wiped out once and it is not a fun experience!

 

[krisa]

Tesumph - yes I've read that. Unfortunately I read it after I'd already put him in the adjacent enclosure. I usually research exhaustively before undertaking something. I did some reading, but not as much as I should've this time. One of my girls does seem to be having an issue, but the other 2 are fine, so I think it's unrelated.
I will definitely keep the whole fully separated far away in mind for future reference. Probably wouldn't take another non-baby bird in after panicking about the possibilities for a bit this go round. Live and learn. I'm sure losing your whole flock was pretty tough. You sure get attached! It's a gut punch when you lose any of them.

Aart - my hens are 4 yo now. And no, the rooster is still deciding to go into the other coop each night. At some point I'll have to encourage him into the hen's coop as I have 5 baby chicks in the basement I'll have to move out to the 2nd enclosure. Still have a while to go before that happens, though.