How to add a cockerel to flock of pullets

[S_hicks88]

I have 4 pullets that are 9 weeks old and i will be getting a 10 week old rooster here in the next few days. My girls have a 6x8 covered run but they free range from 0630-2030 (they really only use the run if its raining). So should i keep mr roo in the run or let him free range with them while they get to know each other? Will they beat him up? Should he sleep in the old(smaller Coop) by himself while they get used to each other? Thank you pictures of the old coop and their new set up (while it was still getting built.

 

[Dec17]

I would introduce the roo while the pullets are free ranging and then let him introduce him self they should be no problems because they will know he is boss because he’s a roo so they should live real happy I usually just put my cockerels straight in and they get on straight away. You shouldn’t have any problems

 

[S_hicks88]

I would introduce the roo while the pullets are free ranging and then let him introduce him self they should be no problems because they will know he is boss because he’s a roo so they should live real happy I usually just put my cockerels straight in and they get on straight away. You shouldn’t have any problems

Thank you

 

[Dec17]

No problem

 

[Mrs. K]

I respectfully disagree. A ten week old cockerel is just coming into his oats, so to speak. He is going to be very interested in the hens, but the pullets are not ready for that and won't be until they are 20-25 weeks old.

Roosters raised with flock mates, or as in this case, pullets the same age, often become aggressive bullies. They rapidly get bigger than the pullets, and aggressively pursue them. A young randy cockerel will run just 4 pullets ragged.

Young roosters can become human aggressive, if you have very young children, they often will be attacked first.

With only 4 pullets, I would recommend no rooster. If this is your first year with chickens, I would recommend no rooster, IMO roosters take a little experience. If you have children under the age of 6 and they share the area with him, I recommend no rooster.

My vote is to either separate him until the pullets are laying, or pass on him all together. Late when you have more experience, getting a rooster is easy. People always have them to give away.

Mrs K

 

[S_hicks88]

I respectfully disagree. A ten week old cockerel is just coming into his oats, so to speak. He is going to be very interested in the hens, but the pullets are not ready for that and won't be until they are 20-25 weeks old.

Roosters raised with flock mates, or as in this case, pullets the same age, often become aggressive bullies. They rapidly get bigger than the pullets, and aggressively pursue them. A young randy cockerel will run just 4 pullets ragged.

Young roosters can become human aggressive, if you have very young children, they often will be attacked first.

With only 4 pullets, I would recommend no rooster. If this is your first year with chickens, I would recommend no rooster, IMO roosters take a little experience. If you have children under the age of 6 and they share the area with him, I recommend no rooster.

My vote is to either separate him until the pullets are laying, or pass on him all together. Late when you have more experience, getting a rooster is easy. People always have them to give away.

Mrs K

Thank you. I am open to any and all opinions by those of you who have done this before

 

[chickens really]

I have young Pullets that a few just turned a year old. I bought a 5 month old Cockerel and put him with the flock in a crate. He stayed that way for two days and then I let him out. All is fine. I have 5 week old chicks and 12 week old Pullets and Cockerels and all are doing fine. You won't know till you try. Being yours are pretty much the same age you shouldn't have much trouble.

 

[aart]

My vote is to either separate him until the pullets are laying, or pass on him all together. Late when you have more experience, getting a rooster is easy. People always have them to give away.

x2

 

[Mrs. K]

Actually, because they are pretty much the same age, she is apt to have quite a bit of trouble. Pullets mature much later than Roosters. Rooster who do not have older hens to thump manners into them like you do can get pretty aggressive. 4 pullets is really not enough for a rooster with a high sexual drive.

 

[Fairview01]

If it were me I would just add him to the flock and go back in the house. They will work it out. Until the pullets color up to indicate they are getting ready to lay a cockerel/ rooster will have minimal interest in them.