introducing a rooster

[ChickenMommy]

I have 4 RIR and 2 black sex-link hens, 3 months old.
Originally I did not want to get a rooster, but now I do!
What kind should I get, RIR or sex-link? and how old of one? and how do I introduce it? Also I can keep the rooster in with the hens cant I, I dont need a seperate spot for him?

 

[speckledhen]

Depends on if you want any purebred chicks from them. Sexlinks bred to sexlinks will not produce sexlinks, just mutts.
If you get a rooster, you must quarantine him for about 30 days to be sure he has nothing that will infect your girls. I did that myself and it wasn't fun, but necessary. I won't buy another full grown bird again because of the worry.
When he was introduced to the hens, two attacked him, but when the third one came at him, he put her in her place immediately and I've had no trouble since. He's been a great buddy for the Girls and for me. I lucked out with him-he's a Barred Plymouth Rock.
Actually, it'd be better to get on the same age or younger than your girls since they are not ready to be with a grown rooster yet.

 

[ChickenMommy]

So If I get a RHI Rooster, probably around the same age, maybe younger, can I put him right in with the hens, or do I have to quarantine him? How do you do that? Can I keep him in a dog kennel inside of the chicken run so hes around the hens? How long would I keep him in it?

 

[ChickenMommy]

anyone?

 

[speckledhen]

No, you should never put any birds in with yours until they are separated for about 30 days. That means no contact of any kind with your hens. NONE, certainly not inside their pen. Respiratory stuff can be passed that way as well as lice, etc. I put mine in a dog kennel in the bsmt bathroom. Later I brought him outside in a kennel on the deck, but not where the hens could get near him. You can lose your entire flock by not quarantining a new bird.

 

[ChickenMommy]

If I get a chick rooster do I have to quarentine him still?

 

[hinkjc]

All new birds should be quarantined if you want to protect your flock from the chance of contracting diseases. You couldn't put a chick in with 3 month old pullets - they would likely kill it.

The reason for quarantine is because birds get stressed in new environments and stress brings out the "nasties" in birds (meaning illness if they have them). So during their stressful transition is when you should see if they have any hidden diseases that didn't appear otherwise. It is the best thing you could do for your girls to ensure you don't unknowingly bring something bad home to them.

Jody

 

[ChickenMommy]

ok thanks, I am new to this and didnt know for sure. I am getting the rooster from some one who has VERY heatlhy birds, but I will for sure quarentine him first.