Integrating a Tom in my Flock?

[EverythingButTheSink]

My friend is moving and giving me her Bourbon Red Tom (He is a few years old). I currently have 9 chickens and 4 ducks who range from 5 to 9 weeks old. How should I go about integrating a Tom into my flock?

Also, I would be interested in getting some hens for him, at what age can I introduce the hens to the Tom?

 

[R2elk]

My friend is moving and giving me her Bourbon Red Tom (He is a few years old). I currently have 9 chickens and 4 ducks who range from 5 to 9 weeks old. How should I go about integrating a Tom into my flock?

Also, I would be interested in getting some hens for him, at what age can I introduce the hens to the Tom?

My opinion is that you shouldn't integrate a lone tom into a flock of ducks and chickens. You should try finding him hens now. As long as they are from last year's hatches or older they are old enough.

The first rule when bringing in any new poultry to your existing poultry is to quarantine the new additions until you are sure they are not bringing in any new diseases or pests.

 

[EverythingButTheSink]

My opinion is that you shouldn't integrate a lone tom into a flock of ducks and chickens. You should try finding him hens now. As long as they are from last year's hatches or older they are old enough.

The first rule when bringing in any new poultry to your existing poultry is to quarantine the new additions until you are sure they are not bringing in any new diseases or pests.

I should mention that he is currently a lone tom that free ranges with chickens and ducks at his current home.