Introducing new rooster to hens

[mschickiemama]

Hi,

So I got a new BIG buff orpington rooster, and he's been in an enclosed yard adjacent to the coop for a couple days.. I let the hens in for a few minutes, and most he quickly put in their place (neck peck thing). He did this weird stretching out the wing thing before he pecked them. I was scared because he's so huge compared to them. But he's not aggressive with us at all.

He's a big scaredy cat. But one of my andalusian hens doesn't back down to him...they did the fight stance and he backed down to her. Kinda weird...

Tonight I put him on the roost with them for the first time. That hen was still trying to pick a fight with him. He turned away and she was still pestering him and pecking at his tail! She finally stopped though & they're all settled down sleeping.

So what should I do about those two? Is she going to submit to him or what? Or is it going to turn nasty?

And tomorrow should I let him out to free range with the hens or is it too soon? I don't know what I should do next. Please experienced people help.

Also, can big roosters hurt the hens? I honestly still can't imagine him mounting my hens and mating...I mean, he's huge! None of my hens are bantams, but some are on the smaller side. They're rhode island reds, plymouth rocks, blue andalusians, and australorps.

As you guys can probably tell, this is my first rooster...

And sorry this post is kinda long...

 

[SteveBaz]

I want to say that the rooster will change the dynamics of the entire flock. You did good by letting him around for a few days and then let him near a few girls. Now its time to let him set the stage for who really is boss. He will change the pecking order and put the head girl in his place unless he is a young Roo. It doesnt seem that way at all. Let him out and he will be fighting with a few of the hens and then once he deals with the her highness and puts the lead hen in her place he will be running the yard with no issues. Best of luck to you

 

[mschickiemama]

Thanks, I let him out today and no problems! My Andalusian hens were still challenging him a bit but mostly ignored him. My Australorp is absolutely in love with him, and he treats her and all the others with respect. Thanks for the welcome by the way.