introducing new hens to roo

[cjschickens]

Does anybody have advice on how I can introduce some new hens to my roo? He is blrw, and does not seem aggresive, but I have seen chickens murder new members, and am worried about how a roo will act. He is in the same barn as the new hens, just in a different cage. Any advice will be appreciated !

 

[chicmom]

What I would do, is make sure the cages are close enough so they can see eachother for a few weeks, then, if you can, start letting them free range together, so that way the roo can get away from the hens if they attack him, but he'll still go to the barn at dusk.

It's much better to allow them to see eachother for a while, then free range together, then you can cage them together with much less fuss.

Hope this helps,
Sharon

 

[Lollipop]

Depends on how old your rooster is. If he is a mature cock, he can handle the hens right away. If he's a juvenile, they may attack him as chicmom suggests. A mature cock will dominate from the very first intro and treat the girls with respect. See for yourself........Pop