Introducing chicks to single rooster.

[Lea98]

Hello, new here, I was wondering how to go about introducing 10 week chicks to a rooster.

Let me give you guys some background. Recently, a neighbor's dog unfortunately "disposed" of all my hens leaving only my rooster. So as you imagine to replace my flock this spring I've been raising pullets and wondered if it was okay to let the join the lone rooster at last. They've been separated but side by side ever since I got the chicks so I imagine they're used to each other. What do you guys think?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Depends on the rooster. You could try letting them mingle under supervision, but I personally would keep him separately until your birds reach sexual maturity at about 4-6 months of age. Than his attention will be wanted.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

So sorry to hear about your flock. I hope your neighbor has contained their dog and won't let it happen again!

Sooner is better in my experience. Though I might personally dispose a rooster who was a lone survivor if it was because he behaved as a a coward during the attack. I actually don't keep roosters for lady protection, because while some will others won't or just become a sacrifice. And they are no real match for our local predators even if they try. Still he should have been the first to go.

My rooster calls all chicks to treats and behaves really well toward them. AS far as he is concerned they may be his offspring. The younger the better because they aren't exhibiting hormonal signs yet... BUT that is all gender chicks when he is in the lady pen and he won't usually have anything to do with the "pullets" until it is time. Also when he is in my stag pen he treats the juvenile boys well.

I'm not sure about your juvenile pullets if they will be mated early or just treated as juveniles. So... rooster with good behavior, maybe. Cockerel who's too dumb to discern hormonal signal, NO. So as stated by Old Hen, it will depend on your boy. I think he will enjoy the company.

 

[Abriana]

Roosters are typically extremely gentle towards chicks. If he is past the crazy cockerel mating stage, too much attention shouldn’t be an issue. Just keep an eye on them, tho I’m sure he will do just fine.

 

[Lea98]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

So sorry to hear about your flock. I hope your neighbor has contained their dog and won't let it happen again!

Sooner is better in my experience. Though I might personally dispose a rooster who was a lone survivor if it was because he behaved as a a coward during the attack. I actually don't keep roosters for lady protection, because while some will others won't or just become a sacrifice. And they are no real match for our local predators even if they try. Still he should have been the first to go.

My rooster calls all chicks to treats and behaves really well toward them. AS far as he is concerned they may be his offspring. The younger the better because they aren't exhibiting hormonal signs yet... BUT that is all gender chicks when he is in the lady pen and he won't usually have anything to do with the "pullets" until it is time. Also when he is in my stag pen he treats the juvenile boys well.

I'm not sure about your juvenile pullets if they will be mated early or just treated as juveniles. So... rooster with good behavior, maybe. Cockerel who's too dumb to discern hormonal signal, NO. So as stated by Old Hen, it will depend on your boy. I think he will enjoy the company.

My rooster is pretty gentle, I raised him from a chick so I definitely felt terrible about what happened to his hens. When I found him, he had no tail so I can certainly tell he ran and got away. I only wish the hens would have followed. My neighbor was apologetic and offered to pay so I couldn't be angry. I try seeing how he'll does tomorrow.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

My neighbor was apologetic and offered to pay so I couldn't be angry.

Well... it depends on the situation. If it was an accident and their gate got left open or a storm blew it down... maybe.

If they let their predatory dog roam the neighborhood looking for a game of chase the chicken... I'd be MORE than angry. Offering to pay or saying sorry doesn't make up for the toll it takes on ones family. or the time they had invested or the eggs they aren't now getting. It's awesome if you can be a great neighbor who is understanding because you also HAVE great neighbors. But to suck it up for no reason if they are irresponsible slackers of pet owners.. wouldn't be doing anyone a favor. And if my dog killed someones chicken (or even a stray cat)... my homeowners insurance would DROP me like a hot potato because that is NOW considered an aggressive dog.

I own dogs also. I know things happen. But I also expect them to be contained. On their property, their dog is a pet. On my property their dog is a predator.

How old is your boy now?

Sounds like you dealt with this in a mature manner, VERY hard for most people to do. Makes me think that you are easy going, not stressed ALL the time, and probably fun to be around. Drama free.

How are your birds contained? Do they stick to YOUR property?

 

[Lea98]

How old is your boy now?

Sounds like you dealt with this in a mature manner, VERY hard for most people to do. Makes me think that you are easy going, not stressed ALL the time, and probably fun to be around. Drama free.

How are your birds contained? Do they stick to YOUR property?

Yes, my chickens stay in my property and wonder into my OTHER neighbors property which I have full permission to allow them to do so. He is an old man who lives alone and said he used to own chickens in his younger years and he admires them quite a bit, likes to watch them and even leaves food outside for them. Such a sweet person. The neighbors the dog belonged to are new as it's a rental property so I don't know them well. Hardly see them out but nevertheless I agree they should be more responsible for their dog. I own dogs as well, one a pit mix and yet she can be roaming the yard WITH my chickens and know not to chase them. She's been raised since 3 months old side by side with them. I even allow her to go in the chicken house when I get the eggs. The chickens, USED to not mind her, some a little more skittish or wary of her would freak out, run around making noise which could be tempting to a dog but she knows better. Even though my neighbors said they'll watch their dog better I still bought stronger chicken pens and have my chicks and rooster on lock down until the pullets are at least 6 months.

 

[Lea98]

Roosters are typically extremely gentle towards chicks. If he is past the crazy cockerel mating stage, too much attention shouldn’t be an issue. Just keep an eye on them, tho I’m sure he will do just fine.

He's 2 years old about to be 3 in the summer and has always had a very calm temperament. He was very gentle with his ladies and never allowed them to argue with one another. I miss watching him straightening their bickering

 

[aart]

Try it......will give testament to whether he's a good cock or a bad one.
A good cock will leave immature females alone(not try to mate them)...tho he may so some pecking for dominance.

 

[Lea98]

Update:

He was put in the pen with the chicks and has been a complete gentleman. Is very happy to have some company. Chicks are accepting of him, were a little fearful at first but merely because of his size. Other than that they're adjusting perfectly.