Lost our rooster - how to introduce new one to flock?

[Britcheflee]

very sad day today - something got our rooster - he was a pesky guy but now we miss him and will miss his morning crow...so, want to get another one - however, not sure of best way to introduce one to an older flock of hens? should I get a young one? Older?
Lee

 

[Judy]

As long as he is full grown, at least in size, I think it's more a matter of temperament.

I had a bunch of roos in my new flock and wanted to put one with my smaller, older flock of about 1.5 years. The new flock already had a clearly dominant roo so I chose among the others. First one I tried immediately and repeatedly mated with each hen, rather violently, causing some screaming, squawking and a little feather loss. So he went back. Next one (a Buff Orp) took one long look at the 4 hens and 3 chicks, and ran full speed back to his old coop then waited at the door to get back in. Jerk. Third one I tried, started offering food, mated with one without undue violence, followed them around. He stayed. Now he and the former lead hen are like an old married couple, hanging around together, though he does mate all of them at least now and then.

I did all the introducing in my back yard in mid day as they wandered free range.