Introducing New Cockerel to Flock of Pullets

[chickens really]

I just put the Cockerel in a crate out in the yard as the Pullets free range around him. I toss a bit of scratch on the ground and wait an hour. Then let him out. Young birds generally are easy to introduce.

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

Hi all, I appreciate your responses--I feel I have a much better grasp on the pros/cons given our particular situation. I ended up backing out on the Biel pick-up. We decided we should make sure we have a better infrastructure and more space before thinking about adding a flock member. Since our hens don't free range, and our coop/run is essentially Fort Knox, there isn't much of a reason other than curiosity and aesthetics. Anyway, why rock the boat when our hens are perfectly peaceful and healthy?

Also, we recently had our "hooster" Buffy diagnosed with a heart murmur so she's needing some extra TLC--she's also been using our temporary pen in the basement as an oasis during the hottest hours of the day. I wouldn't want to give her the boot so we can quarantine a rooster (plus, we're supposed to keep her calm and a rowdy rooster may thwart our efforts!).

Thanks again for the food for thought--I will definitely take all this in consideration as we plan to expand/enhance our setup over the next year or two.

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

We don't free range, so that's not yet an option. I think a rooster might be better down the road when we enlarge their grazing area beyond the coop/run--and when that time comes I will certainly keep this anecdote in mind!

I just put the Cockerel in a crate out in the yard as the Pullets free range around him. I toss a bit of scratch on the ground and wait an hour. Then let him out. Young birds generally are easy to introduce.