Introducing a second rooster to the flock

[Want Less]

Existing "adult" flock: 10 hens (ages 1-3 yrs) and 1 BCM rooster (1 yr old)

Baby flocks: Mixed group of 11 week olds and mixed group of 1 week olds.

We definitely want to add a second rooster to our adult flock, which right now consists of 10 hens/1 rooster but by the end of summer will be probably 16-20 hens. We are considering keeping a Brahma rooster who is in our group of 11 week olds.

At what age is it appropriate to add our second rooster? Right now he is 11 weeks old and nearly as big as our smallest adult hen.

 

[TaylorHobbyFarms]

We have never been able to successfully blend in a second rooster unless they are raised together. Usually the older, more familiar rooster will keep the other rooster at bay and can even keep him from food and water.

Maybe someone else has had a different experience, but that is ours.