Introducing new members to the flock, behavior

[Sconsalv]

I currently have 6 new pullets that are around 8 weeks after being quarantine, separated by chicken wire and want to slowly introduce them to my one hen and 2 roosters who are about 5-6 months old. So my wife and I have been slowly letting them roam together under supervision but after about 10-15 my hens starts the pecking order ( Which i here is normal) but my Roosters try and grab there back feather ( sometimes not letting go ) and will chase them. Is this normal? We try and let it go for a little then we intervene. No one has gotten hurt or draws blood . Winter will be approaching soon and would like to fully make the coop open for the whole flock.

 

[Den in Penn]

I take it that this is the first time the rooster has be introduced to new flock members. I would guess he is just reacting a little to aggressive. He should stop as they get to know each other, If they were a little older they would more easily be able to break free or even evade the rooster completely. Eight weeks is on the young side for introduction. So maybe let them see each other through the wire for a couple more weeks, with a few interludes of chaperoned mixing before expecting them to get along.

 

[Sconsalv]

This is our first time raising chickens and so far we loooove it but this was a new chapter trying to integrate the two groups. We have been slowly introducing them but i guess a couple of weeks longer won't hurt. Right now my coop is divided in half with chicken wire and would love to have them all living together this winter. Would make it muchhhh easier to handle. Thanks for the advise!

 

[aart]

2 cockerels (not roosters until one year old) is 1 too many for 7 pullets (not hens until one year old).

 

[Sconsalv]

We plan on keeping at least one and until we find a home for the other or we get hungry he's going to have to stay.