Introducing new chickens

[Chick Leah]

Thanks so much for your input any views and advice is much appreciated biased or not. I'm rapidly disliking them myself to be honest. I'm swaying more towards a hen only garden I don't think I can cope with the added stress these fellas are bringing. Thanks again

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I personally like roosters and have about 20 some currently, the polish are the only ones I couldn't wait to be rid of, but all younger roosters can be trouble ruled by their hormones. A proper rooster should woo and care for the hens in exchange for mating, not force himself repeatedly or cause injury to a hen, they should also earn the older hens respect. I think you will be better off without them.

 

[Chick Leah]

I think because I've made arrangements for a local who wants a cockeral to collect one today I'm going to separate the other. I can put him in a coop with small run on his own inside the main run. This will be his home for a while I think. Will it drive him crazy being able to see the hens but not reach them? Then in time a few months I think il give him another chance and see if he has learnt any hen manners, if he blows it he'll go to, at least then I can say I gave one a chance. Wish me luck I think il need it

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Here's where mine go. They are among the flock and can still interact through the wire. The one in the picture spent about 6 months in there and is now one of the flock roosters, he went in a jerk, and came out a nice polite responsible rooster.

The one that is currently in there has been in there since spring and will be released in the next week or two to see how he does.

I always give mine a chance first, most need to mature, 8-12 months, depending on breed, yours should mature quicker because he's a smaller breed. I do wish you luck. If he doesn't work out well, I recommend bantam cochins and barnevelder as being more gentle roosters.

 

[Chick Leah]

Oh my set up would work just the same as yours then. That makes me feel so much better. Elvis has just left and gone to his new home so now I can focus on positive behaviours with Don. There already seems to be a calmer feel but then again that might be the relief from me

Il let you know how I get on in a couple if months. Thanks for all you advice

 

[Chickens126]

How can I introduce Guineas to chickens?