Introducing a roo...how to?

[blueclip]

Would you go about introducing a rooster to an existing flock (hens only) the same way you would with a hen? I heard it's best to introduce any new chicken by partitioning them with chicken wire so that they can see each other but not touch each other, would this apply to roosters as well? Or would the pecking order be quickly established therefore rendering this obsolete? Thanks!

 

[Pork Pie]

After quarantine and familiarisation with the coop you can let him do his thing. Girls and boys have separate hierarchies so there's no need to worry - that may not stop your hens from chasing him and putting him in his place at first however. After a while, your new Casanova will start to weave his magic - that's my experience at least.

Ct

 

[donrae]

How old are the birds in question?

 

[azygous]

Yep, your new boy won't have much trouble coming on board. If he does get a warning peck and the royal put-down by one or two older girls, he will have only one agenda and will barely notice he isn't being welcomed with a full parade and band playing, "Hail to the Chief".

 

[Mrs. K]

And by the next morning, they are all cooing at him, like he invented bread or something!

 

[Pork Pie]