Introducing a rooster

[5.3acredream]

I have a small flock of 6 hens/pullets (hatched May 5, two are laying now) and have been offered a rooster by a farmer I trust. She says he is well-tempered although of course she can't guarentee his behavior once he's top roo. I'd like to take him for flock security reasons. My question for everyone is how best to introduce him to the flock. I've heard of putting him next to the flock but divided. I've also heard of just dumping him onto the roost at night.

What is the best method that you know of to introduce a rooster.

 

[aart]

How old is he, in months?
I'd keep him in crate for a day or two, then release to range with the girls.

If he's not a real gentleman he may overwhelm your 6 females,
especially the ones not laying yet.
Be ready to separate him if things go sideways.

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

I would still but him in a cage, in the coop, so they can see him. After a day or two, let him out. Roosters are usually not picked on so much by hens.

 

[aart]

Roosters are usually not picked on so much by hens.

Well, unless the 'rooster' is young....
....then an older hen will most likely kick his butt.

FYI.....semantics, maybe, but can be important communication terms when discussing chicken behavior.
Female chickens are called pullets until one year of age, then they are called hens.
Male chickens are called cockerels until one year of age, then they are called cocks(or cockbirds or roosters).
Age in weeks or months is always a good thing to note.

 

[5.3acredream]

Female chickens are called pullets until one year of age, then they are called hens.
Male chickens are called cockerels until one year of age, then they are called cocks(or cockbirds or roosters).
Age in weeks or months is always a good thing to note.

I was under the impression that once a chicken reaches laying, she is a hen. Therefore I have 2 hens, and 4 pullets (as noted, hatch date was May). As far as the rooster goes, I am not certain of his age, and was only told that he is young, crowing, and has experience watching the flock. Sorry if this was incorrect usage.

 

[aart]

I was under the impression that once a chicken reaches laying, she is a hen. Therefore I have 2 hens, and 4 pullets (as noted, hatch date was May). As far as the rooster goes, I am not certain of his age, and was only told that he is young, crowing, and has experience watching the flock. Sorry if this was incorrect usage.

Common misconception, no worries we're all here to learn. Nope, you have 6 pullets.
I'd ask how old the male is in weeks or months.

 

[Mimi13]

Well, unless the 'rooster' is young....
....then an older hen will most likely kick his butt.

My two 2 1/2 yo BO’s still kick my 6 mo cockerel’s butt and it is hilarious to watch. I’ve wondered if they will ever submit to him or stay repeatedly on the ornery side.

 

[Mrs. K]

They will, and he will be a better rooster. Roosters that grow up in a chicken society learn a lot, they are not the biggest thing in the coop, and there are birds with him 24/7 who are bigger and will teach manners.

However, it sounds like the OP rooster is of age. I would not worry about adding him. Generally there may be a bit of bluff at first, but in love by morning.

The last time I added a rooster I was going to keep him separate, but I got a small emergency, and when I got back to the coop, he had gotten out, and the girls were already cooing!

 

[Onnie1776]

I am in the same boat and would love some advice.

I currently have 5 hens. They are almost 2 yo and a mix of breeds - a couple of barred rocks, a RI red, a golden comet and a cuckoo maran. They get along well and have a good pecking order established. I have a big coop for them inside of a chain link fenced in yard that has an invisible dog fence protecting them from my shepard mix, who is a known chicken killer

I am getting a cockerel tomorrow. He is about 9-10 months old and a silkie. I found him on a facebook group for chickens. The poster had to rehome him because she is in neighborhood and his crowing has caused the neighbors to complain.

I honestly know nothing about his health so I don't want to just throw him in with my girls. I figured I need at least a couple of days of keeping him separate and watching him to make sure he is healthy. Honestly I would welcome some advice on the proper prototcol for ensuring he is healthy. ?

Secondly, once he is deemed healthy how do I properly introduce him to my ladies? Because he is a silkie he is probably going to be somewhat smaller than my hens. I don't want him to get hurt and I want to ensure a smooth transition. I saw the crate suggestion. I can definitely put a crate on the floor in the coop at night. A day or so and then just let him out?

Thanks for the advice!

 

[Alaskan]

I have a small flock of 6 hens/pullets (hatched May 5, two are laying now) and have been offered a rooster by a farmer I trust. She says he is well-tempered although of course she can't guarentee his behavior once he's top roo. I'd like to take him for flock security reasons. My question for everyone is how best to introduce him to the flock. I've heard of putting him next to the flock but divided. I've also heard of just dumping him onto the roost at night.

What is the best method that you know of to introduce a rooster.

I would hold him for at least a week, if not a month, in a cage on the far side or your property and watch him for illness. At this point also worm him if it might possibly be needed.

After worming is done, and he looks healthy, then I would put the cage in the coop for them all to get acquainted through the bars for a couple days, and then I would dump him on the perch one night and check early morning for bloodshed/issues if any.