Introducing Mature Rooster to Mature Hens

[Mrs. K]

One of my first roosters was a low rooster in a bigger flock. There were three other roosters and they beat the snot out of him. He looked kind of tough, missing feathers, a couple of wounds... and I swear, the hens looked at him, then looked at me and seemed to ask, "Is this the best you can do?"

But there was one or two chest bumping, hen to rooster and they were all in love by morning. That was an all hen established flock that had never had a rooster. I do want to warn you, it will change the dynamics of your flock. The hens will no longer look to you, but rather to him.

Mrs K

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Bottom roosters on a pecking order often turn out to be gentle nice roosters. I prefer them over the top roosters that are often too vigorous on the hens.

 

[Eilsel]

Check out this handsome dude! I didn’t realize he would be coming today sooo I didn’t get to set up a look no touch pen... so cold turkey it was! Stuck him in the run this morning and the girls didn’t come out of the coop until after noon, but once they did he strut his stuff and everyone got along just fine. Now to see if he’ll find the roost with the girls tonight... I’m not sure that he’s actually been inside the coop at all yet.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Sounds like the first day is a success. If everything going well by tomorrow it may be okay from there. He's a good looking boy.

 

[Mrs. K]

Pretty sure you are golden.... it is the easiest of all the possible integrations.

 

[Eilsel]

They were getting along great! Unfortunately I learned a lesson the hard way... I cannot update on this rooster, because I lost him I got too eager to let him free range with my girls, who don't wander too far (I'm on 10 acres though) - unfortunately he did not stay with the hens as I anticipated and disappeared. I am heartbroken because I was so excited to have such a pretty bird, plus being excited to see what kind of chicks he would throw with my girls. I hope he wandered to a neighbor that is just keeping him, but realistically I'm sure his fate was of the less fortunate variety. Next rooster I get I will keep them confined for at least a couple weeks I think. Posting this update so someone may learn from my mistake in the future.

 

[aart]

unfortunately he did not stay with the hens as I anticipated and disappeared

Oops...Bummer!

 

[Mrs. K]

I would not be too hard on yourself. He probably saved your hens. Roosters are easy to find. Get another good one.