integrating roo into new flock opinions wanted, please

[jennh]

Hi! I have a BJG roo that I'm giving to a friend that has 5 hens. They are a couple of weeks apart in age. My friend wants to introduce them during the day. I said I thought it was better to do it at night. I have introduced 4 other broods that way with 100 % success. Would a roo make any difference? Should they be introduced during the day or night? Opinions, please ?

Thanks!
Jen

 

[abhaya]

I have introduced chickens during the day with no problems but mine free range so they have tons of room to establish themselves. In a run might be different.

 

[Gallusfarm]

If it's 1 roo being introduced to hens, it doesn't matter when -they will be fine - if it's a roo being introduced to another roo with hens, that's another story...

 

[Lollipop]

Actually, the age of the birds is the key here. If the existing flock is young, say under 8 months or so, the rooster may not be mature enough to take control of the existing pullets, which will resent a newcommer. If they are mature, like over a year, no problem, day or night. Cockerals lack in self confidence. They need plenty of room to escape aggressors and night intros seem to be preferred. Of course, there is a vast array of circumstances, so anything could happen..........Pop

 

[exop]

Are they all the same breed - is there much of a size difference? The Jersey Giants I've raised have been pretty shy birds, overall... If the rooster is used to interacting with other BJG (is that B for Blue or Black?), he shouldn't be too scared of the hens, and I don't think they'd gang up on him. Generally my own hens seem to think boys are kind of nice to have around and they don't give new ones any grief.

Best - exop

 

[michickenwrangler]

We kept the rooster in a rabbit hutch next to the run for a few days before putting him in with the hens. The hens were so happy to have a man around, they were like teenage girls posturing for Brad Pitt!

They'll adapt.