Introducing Mature Roo to New Flock

[eggscetera]

This year's hatch included an EE roo, 3 EE hens, and a barred rock/white leghorn cross roo ( from eggs donated by friends). I raised them all together in a separate coop and they are now 5 months old. In the main coop I have 13 hens (RIR crosses) whose rooster ( a 2 year old meat roo) went away two days ago. I set the br/leghorn roo into the main coop that evening. My hope is to infuse my flock with good egg-laying genes (the br/leghorn should bring that to my flock, yes?) Anyway - my question: How long should it take for my new roo to feel comfortable in his new home? I let the main flock out today (EEs stay in for now). The BR roo wants to get back into the EE coop. I'm sure he misses his friends. Maybe I shouldn't have let them free range so soon after putting him in the new coop? Anyone have an opinion on how long (if ever) it will take for the br roo to become master of his new flock?

 

[chikkenfriend]

I miss Picasso. We had lots of girls and no boys. So, we bought some fertile eggs and stuck them under our broody. She hatched what we thought were three boys. Wrong.

After a few weeks, we gave up on two of them being boys and went out to buy some. Came home with three gorgeous young men. Rocks about 2-3 weeks old.

Long story just as long as ever, we raised them, loved them, and then, had to trim down. Jake is a big meanie, he's being sold. Picasso, however, though a sweetheart, was still one too many. He lives next door now.

My neighbor's roo is too fat and too old to do his job anymore. And, I still owed him for a chainsaw!

I offered a healthy, young roo and some cash. He knows our Roos and quickly accepted. He wanted no cash.

We delivered Picasso and stayed with them, he and his 20 new girls (and one fat, wobbly leghorn) and watched. We had already decided that we'd grab him and run at the first sign of trouble. There'd been no need.

Picasso is Mexican like his Papa. He immediately dropped a wing and started into his Mexican Hat Dance!!! He was a sight! Not two minutes into it and he was courting away!!

It's been a month or so now. We hear him crowing every day and all day long. Saw him yesterday. He was surrounded by women. We miss him, but we know that he's better off where he can be the King of the Flock!

I think your roo will see his chance and grab it with both claws.

All the best to ya

 

[eggscetera]

Thanks chikkenfirend. This roo is only just starting to crow so maybe he's not quite ready for the ladies. I'm sure you're right- give him a few more days and he'll be happy with his harem and the main coop will be his domain. I was just worried because he so wants to go back into the coop with his EE friends.

 

[chikkenfriend]

We have to worry. That's our job. But our babies grow up and do just fine. Sometimes without us.

Give him a few days. I remember those first few days. I so wanted to go get him back!! We carried food and worms in the truck for a week thinking 'is he eating enough? Is he starving? Do they take good care of him?' Oh, I know.

Hang in there