Introducing a bantam rooster to full size hens

[VTBobCat]

I recently picked up a pair of roosters who were raised together - a blue cochin bantam and a NH red. I currently have a flock of 16 full sized hens that are 5 months old. The red is about 2 months younger than my hens, but is basically the same size. The cochin is 1 year old and obviously much smaller. When I introduced them yesterday, the little cochin immediately tried to show his rooster status with the ladies who were having none of it. Our lead hen, an australorp, and the cochin got into a little brawl over it. Blood was drawn by both and I stepped in before there were any real injuries. The roosters were kept in a pen last night inside of the coop so that they could all sleep around each other, but the ladies could not bother the boys. This morning I have my ladies free ranging while the boys are locked up in the run. One of my barred rocks stayed in the run for a bit while I was refilling their water and food dishes, and the cochin quickly tried to dance around her and show off. She was also having none of it and they started a little scuffle. No blood. I took the BR out only because I wanted the girls and boys separated today anyway, but I'm not sure how far that argument would have gone.
There have been no issues with the NH red rooster, but he is about the size of the ladies and hasn't really tried to mess with them. The ladies honestly don't seem to care about him at all.
So my question is, is it too far fetched to think my full sized ladies are going to ever accept the little cochin? I plan on keeping them separated for a bit so they can view each other without having access to each other.
Has anyone in here had any luck with something like this? I will rehome him if needed, but I'm really hoping it will work out.

 

[SunHwaKwon]

It sounds like normal pecking order squabbles. Let them mingle while free ranging.

 

[WVduckchick]

Usually bantam cochin boys will back down fairly easily, especially with bigger girls. I agree with Sun. Let them mingle a bit. Take it slow, but those girls will put him in his place. He’s just enamored with the new girls right now.

 

[snow5164]

It sounds interesting and I wonder how it will work out , but the bottom line for me is two roosters for 16 hens is not good . I have one for 15 and some hens have no feathers on their backs from him .

Watch and decide which rooster fit in best

 

[VTBobCat]

It sounds interesting and I wonder how it will work out , but the bottom line for me is two roosters for 16 hens is not good . I have one for 15 and some hens have no feathers on their backs from him .

Watch and decide which rooster fit in best

I added 2 roosters because I plan to add 5-10 more hens. If they start overworking the current ladies, I'll get some saddles until the new hens are introduced.

 

[ceceuu]

I'm also trying to integrate a Bantam size(Silkie)rooster into my established of 11 large hens. The hens are of two cohorts, aged 4 years and 2 years. The little rooo is barely 3 months old. It is going really well. There have been a few little dust ups lasting about 10 seconds, he defends himself briefly and then wisely retreats; they do not chase him. It has been gradual and supervised, but has gone so much easier than I expected! I acquired him just 5 days ago. The hens are ignoring him for the most part and he is giving them plenty of space. What a difference from when integrating the 6 pullets to the 3 year old hens. That took weeks and there was a lot of chasing and fear from the pullets.

I never planned on having a roo, but a friend is raising Silkies. She had extra roos and I just couldn't resist!

 

[aart]

I added 2 roosters because I plan to add 5-10 more hens. If they start overworking the current ladies, I'll get some saddles until the new hens are introduced.

What's your goal for having 2 males?
Breeding specific crosses?
1 male should be fine for 20 birds as far as fertility goes....
...tho not sure the bantam can 'reach' for successful fertilization.

 

[VTBobCat]

What's your goal for having 2 males?
Breeding specific crosses?
1 male should be fine for 20 birds as far as fertility goes....
...tho not sure the bantam can 'reach' for successful fertilization.

I was going by the advice of having 1 rooster for every 8-10 hens. I hadn't heard of keeping more hens per rooster until after I got the roosters.

It is working out really well though. The little bantam has taken over. The larger red is maturing and starting to mount some ladies too, and it hasnt caused any problems. Yet.
I'm hoping it continues to go well. If it doesn't, I will rehome one of the roos to a friend who has already offered to take one.

 

[VTBobCat]

I'm also trying to integrate a Bantam size(Silkie)rooster into my established of 11 large hens. The hens are of two cohorts, aged 4 years and 2 years. The little rooo is barely 3 months old. It is going really well. There have been a few little dust ups lasting about 10 seconds, he defends himself briefly and then wisely retreats; they do not chase him. It has been gradual and supervised, but has gone so much easier than I expected! I acquired him just 5 days ago. The hens are ignoring him for the most part and he is giving them plenty of space. What a difference from when integrating the 6 pullets to the 3 year old hens. That took weeks and there was a lot of chasing and fear from the pullets.

I never planned on having a roo, but a friend is raising Silkies. She had extra roos and I just couldn't resist!

My ladies totally prefer the bantam over the other rooster. And he does an awesome job of protecting them and finding them food. He is so fun to watch. Hope yours continues to go well too.