Introducing a Rooster

[Tlc8]

Not sure if this is the correct place. I have all female chickens and would like to have a rooster. I want to know if I can get a young rooster and introduce him without bloodshed or a lot of issues, or if I have to do the baby chicks. I only have 8 females. I'm new to this and could use advice. Thank you.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

How old are your girls? If you purchase a grown male from another property, quarantining it would be wise.
Also during the introduction, there needs to be plenty of get-away space for both sexes. Welcome and good luck.

TO BYC​

 

[JedJackson]

You'll likely have less problems as far as fighting goes with an adult rooster versus raising one from a chick. What usually happens is the hens will fight him, he'll fight back, and it's over quickly. With a young cockerel the battle and bloodshed are likely to go on for quite a while. I would advise getting a full grown bird of 8 months to maybe a year and a half-- no older. And you will need to quarantine him for at least a month to make sure he is healthy and unlikely to spread disease or parasites to your girls. Good luck!

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! I like to raise chicks and pick likely cockerels out of the group, because I do worry about bringing in diseases from other flocks. As others have said, an adult rooster will have a known temperament, which is good. Do be careful though...
Mary

 

[Tlc8]

How old are your girls? If you purchase a grown male from another property, quarantining it would be wise.
Also during the introduction, there needs to be plenty of get-away space for both sexes. Welcome and good luck.

View attachment 1451999
View attachment 1452000
TO BYC​

How old are your girls? If you purchase a grown male from another property, quarantining it would be wise.
Also during the introduction, there needs to be plenty of get-away space for both sexes. Welcome and good luck.

View attachment 1451999
View attachment 1452000
TO BYC​

 

[Tlc8]

They are a little over a year old. They aren't contained, they are free to roam and are only shut in at night and released in the morning. So he would have to be penned for a while during an introduction period, in a large area. Any idea how long or just until posturing stops? I don't want anyone injured. They are pets mostly.