Hi! We have a small backyard flock of 3 hens and 1 rooster. Our goal was 4 hens, but 1 of them ended up being a rooster. He has gotten more and more aggressive over the past year, attacking me, my children, and friends that visit. We tried to make it work, but due to the increased attacks, we need to find him a new home. We also just hatched some eggs (his babies) and will be keeping 2 of the baby chicks for our flock. Knowing that any changes in the flock can be stressful to the chickens, we want to make the changes in the best way possible. Are there any recommended strategies for the order in which we should make the introductions/removal? Should we do it at the same time? Or introduce the chicks and then later remove the rooster? Or remove the rooster and then later introduce the chicks? Any thoughts would be much appreciated - thanks!
How old are the chicks ? I would remove the rooster and introduce the chicks, with see no touch method for a few wks but depends on the age of the chicks.
Do not send him on to a new home,he needs culled.Sending him to a new home will just make him someone elses problem. As for introducing them you can always put a wire cage,crate anything to stop them from direct contact and let them mingle through wire and as the chicks get older,soon thu should be able to live in the same house. You would also be surprised bh how unbothered the chicks will by this as long as noone can get to them.
The aggression towards humans is not related to any threats he might pose to chicks / offspring. That aggression in his mind very likely is geared to protect his offspring.
Aggressive cock/erels can be sold or given away with full disclosure of their behaviors...it may be fine with another keeper, or make a mighty fine stew. This is how I integrate chicks: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old
