Introducing rooster to hens

[homestead 101]

I have about 8 hens. Two are big buff Orpingtons, one 12 week old barred rock, 4 bovan hens and one small white bantam hen.

My question is, I just got a 6 month old ameracana rooster that is really big, and I was woundering how to introduce him to my existing flock?

Just some more info, my smaller hens have places they can fly to to get away from him.

Please help me

 

[Pork Pie]

There's a very good post from @donrae in this link - https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...-hens-to-existing-sole-cockerel#post_17512322

Once quarantine is done with I think the post is both pragmatic and sensible.

CT

 

[aart]

I have about 8 hens. Two are big buff Orpingtons, one 12 week old barred rock, 4 bovan hens and one small white bantam hen.

My question is, I just got a 6 month old ameracana rooster that is really big, and I was woundering how to introduce him to my existing flock?

Just some more info, my smaller hens have places they can fly to to get away from him.

Please help me

So everyone is older than a year except the Barred Rock?
The devil is in the details.

BTW: pullets and cockerels are under a year old, hens and cocks(or roosters) are over a year old.

Hens and pullets, even if pullets are already laying, can be very different birds.....
....especially when you are talking about a 6mo cockerel.

That cockerel may know the 12wo is not ready to mate and leave her alone....or he may well savage her.
A good adult cockbird would know and leave her alone, with a cockerel you just don't know.

I think this is the post link Ken meant to post.......
........it's a good post by donrae, but that situation may be a bit different from yours.

Even if you decide not to quarantine, some time separated by wire would be wise before physical introductions.

 

[chickens really]

Keep him in a look no touch pen for a week or so...Adding a Rooster is easier than adding hens..
Once the week is up let him out and watch how the hens react towards him...Their will be all the usual fights and chasing but he will probably do his best to get the ladies to like him...

Good luck

 

[Flock Master64]

I just added my cockerel to my flock of 4 hens. It took about a month but their all comfy now. I kept my cockerel in a pet carrier at night inside the coop with my hens so they could get used to each other without fighting. During the day I let them free range together

 

[homestead 101]

This was probably the easiest introduction I have ever done. I let the rooster be in a dog kennel for about an hour, then I put Him in with my hens. There was little pecking. He is a very respectful and a gentlemen. Thanks for all your advice

 

[Flock Master64]

This was probably the easiest introduction I have ever done. I let the rooster be in a dog kennel for about an hour, then I put Him in with my hens. There was little pecking. He is a very respectful and a gentlemen. Thanks for all your advice

I did mine a similar way

 

[aart]

This was probably the easiest introduction I have ever done. I let the rooster be in a dog kennel for about an hour, then I put Him in with my hens. There was little pecking. He is a very respectful and a gentlemen. Thanks for all your advice

Great!! He must be a mature cockbird.

 

[homestead 101]

He is only 7 months old

 

[aart]

He is only 7 months old

Better news, that a boy bird that young has manners.