Introducing new rooster to flock question.

[Britcheflee]

We lost our rooster recently and it just is not the same without one - I think the hens are at a loss as well - so, want to get a new young roo for them - I did get some advice about building a run, allowing them to be 'introduced' to allow them to get used to each other...problem is, I dont really have the time or inclination to build a whole separate section with a roosting area etc for one bird....what is your opinion of the idea of waiting until the hens are roosting at night and sneaking the roo in there and seeing how they will react in the morning? We had a hen away from the others for about 4 days or so whilst showing her at the local fair and did the same thing and they were all totally fine.
Thank you,

Lee

 

[Gardeninggranny]

Usually you will have no problem introducing a rooster to hens. There may be some some minor sparring but rarely anything serious.

The more important issue is quarantining the rooster for 2 weeks or so to make sure he doesn't bring anything like disease or parasites to the flock. Even if he looks healthy he could bring in lice or other things. Quarantine, observe and treat if nessecary.

He can live somewhere in a cage for two weeks. You can get old dog cages cheap at garage sales. Cover with a tarp or board and you have a temporary "coop".

 

[Judy]

Heck, I just turned mine out into the yard with the hens in the middle of the day. (He was already on my property; I have two flocks.)

Actually, I tried 3 different roos. The first one immediately mated each of the 4 hens, roughly, and more than once. (Yes, he'd had his share of hens in his old flock.) He went back. The second one took one look at the hens and ran full speed back toward his old coop.

The third one acted like he'd been with them since day one. Now he and the former lead hen walk around together like an old married couple.

 

[cmom]

So sorry about you loss.

I agree about quarantining the new Roo. It's better to be safe than sorry. It's also good idea to quarantine for at least a month before you put the new Roo with your flock, mainly to guard against any diseases. Good luck and have fun.