Integrating a 3 month old cockerel to a flock of 4 hens, 1 1/2 years old

[katheyschickens]

I just got a very young rooster today and need more advice on how to introduce him to my 4 mature laying hens. I was told to put him in the run/coop area with them to see how they would do and then make a decision after. Well.... that didn't go so well! He and one of the hens immediately got into it! I took him out and put him in a small wired dog crate and left him in the run with the others hoping they might get used to him being there while I decide what needs to happen next. Do I need another completely separate run area for him where he can see and be seen by the hens for a while or will the dog crate do the same thing. The only thing about the dog crate is that he can't roam around. My chickens stay in the run all the time because I have dogs that would love to chew on them. Another question is if they have to be separated, how long do I wait to try the introduction?Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[Perris]

As you just got him, is there any chance you could swap the teenager for a mature rooster? Even flock-raised cockerels can be difficult when they're teens.

 

[aart]

Do I need another completely separate run area for him where he can see and be seen by the hens for a while

That would be best.....unless you can get a good adult cockbird.
He's probably going to get his butt kicked until he's a good 5 months old.
His life could be very unpleasant until then.
How big is your coop and run?
Dimensions and pics would help immensely.

I would ask, why do you want a male?
They can be a real PITA and not good for much other than fertilizing eggs or making soup.

 

[DanEP]

If you really want to keep the rooster you need to keep him separate from the girls till he's closer to their size. Even then he's in for a fight as the new kid but will grow into his role as flock leader by the time he's 6-7 months old. A certain amount of fighting is going to happen and all you can do is let it happen. Chicken life can be rough. On the plus side in general roosters that were raised around older girls tend to have better manners, not always but generally.