How old for young rooster to protect himself from 18 week old hens?

[Taxidermy lady]

I have him in the run with the hens now.. he is in a divided off area so they can see one another but can’t touch. Hopefully no escapees.. He will even be in the house where the old hens roost. Just won’t be able to touch. Only view one another. I have 4 old hens left (red stars).. they still lay. They are separated from the young girls.. I bought 15 red stars May 15 of this year. I have 2 laying now. The young girls are in a pen by themselves.. So now I have 3 pens in my run. My run is covered with 2” poultry netting. 40’x100’... thanks for all the help. I will leave him by himself for a month at least. Do you think this will be long enough. Thanks

 

[DobieLover]

I have him in the run with the hens now.. he is in a divided off area so they can see one another but can’t touch. Hopefully no escapees.. He will even be in the house where the old hens roost. Just won’t be able to touch. Only view one another. I have 4 old hens left (red stars).. they still lay. They are separated from the young girls.. I bought 15 red stars May 15 of this year. I have 2 laying now. The young girls are in a pen by themselves.. So now I have 3 pens in my run. My run is covered with 2” poultry netting. 40’x100’... thanks for all the help. I will leave him by himself for a month at least. Do you think this will be long enough. Thanks

That's plenty long enough. Are you also working to integrate the pullets in with the hens?

 

[Taxidermy lady]

I’m not sure.. I’m learning more and more now. They will slow up laying this winter. They will be 3 yrs. old next spring. May just let them by themselves until the end. I sell my eggs. I was given this young rooster from a retired school teacher who incubated eggs for the children at the school she teaches. No one wanted the rooster so I took him. I am wanting him to keep order with the young 15 red stars. Just starting to lay with pecking order getting established. Hopefully this works out. Thanks

 

[Leahs Coop]

Hello and welcome to Backyard Chickens! So glad you decided to join the flock!

 

[Taxidermy lady]

Hi this is an update. I have all the chickens together now.. the rooster is doing fine. It took several weeks for them to just look and get familiar with one another. Thanks for everyone’s help. Much appreciated!

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and a belated welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us

 

[ValerieJ]

Hi! Welcome to BYC! A little late, I know. I'm so happy the cockerel is working out. That was quite an accomplishment!

 

[Taxidermy lady]

Thank you. I call him Henry and he’s doing the Henry schuffell!!