Introduce a New Cockerel

[Alicatchick]

Hi, I have nine chicks who are three to four weeks old (they are all hens). We want to introduce a new baby rooster, cockerel of the same breed. He will be only a day old. How shall we introduce him to them so they all play nicely?

Thanks

 

[sumi]

Keep the new chick separate, but within sight of the older ones for the first week, at least. Chicks are generally not aggressive, but with the newbie being so tiny it could get hurt accidentally by the bigger chicks, for example, they could easily knock him flying and or walk right over him without noticing! Also keep in mind that the newbie would have different heat requirements than the older chicks, so try and arrange the brooder accordingly.

 

[Alicatchick]

Thank you for your response, great suggestions. We'll try to see how we can set up the coop so they can all see each other while maintaining the right heat for the newbe.

At first, we were thinking we could get a new pullet for him and the two could be in a brood for a couple of weeks by themselves during that critical heat time and then transfer them to the coop. At that time, we could keep them separate from the flock in the coop, allowing for them to see each other for another week or so until they all get acquainted, the heat might be more manageable this way.