Introduced Rooster - How long to keep in?

[MRVWyo]

Hi,
I've just introduced a rooster to my two remaining older hens. They LOVE him, and I've kept them all locked up in the coop for a couple of days and nights to be sure he knows where to go back to. Would it be safe to let them out after 3 days/nights locked up? I normally let the hens out in the morning, and tuck them in after they are on their roost at night.

 

[Battlepants]

Are you free ranging? Or what ability do they have to wander around?

Also, you might want to get a few more ladies for this guy. Roosters get a little too frisky for just 2 girls, so we usually suggest a total of around 8.

 

[aart]

Hi,
I've just introduced a rooster to my two remaining older hens. They LOVE him, and I've kept them all locked up in the coop for a couple of days and nights to be sure he knows where to go back to. Would it be safe to let them out after 3 days/nights locked up? I normally let the hens out in the morning, and tuck them in after they are on their roost at night.

I would think so....he'll stick with the hens.
ETA...corrected 'stink' with 'stick'.

 

[MRVWyo]

Are you free ranging? Or what ability do they have to wander around?

Also, you might want to get a few more ladies for this guy. Roosters get a little too frisky for just 2 girls, so we usually suggest a total of around 8.

They have about 1 1/2 acres to roam in when out of the coop. In about a week, I'll be bringing over 15 ladies from my sister's, where she's been raising them. I got the meat chicken duty....and she got the baby layer duty.

 

[MRVWyo]

I would think so....he'll stink with the hens.

The coop has a little enclosed outdoor area that they can roam in, until I let them out on the 1 1/2 acres.

 

[MRVWyo]

I would think so....he'll stink with the hens.

Aart!! Hey, just wanted to say thanks for your super article on that quonset style coop you made. It served as the basis for my meat chicken coop, and it's working wonderfully. AND, no critters can get in.

 

[Battlepants]

They have about 1 1/2 acres to roam in when out of the coop.

I'd say they are probably good to go outside at this point. Would be a good idea to start this early in the morning and patrol the yard several times during the day and take notes where they are resting. This way, you will know exactly where to look if they don't return on their own.

 

[aart]

Would be a good idea to start this early in the morning

...or......let them all out about an hour before roosting time.
Less time to wander too far before insuring they all come back to the coop.
I still think the cockbird is going to stick with the hens.

 

[Mrs. K]

If they are in love with him, he will follow them right back to the coop. I kept a rooster in quarantine for a month. He was molting when I got him, but I wanted to be sure...

I turned him out, let the hens out, he was thinking he has found the promised land, and that night he was in their coop.

Mrs K