In my earlier post I asked how to tell if I have a rooster. I'm thinking more and more that I do, and so I will need to give him away (not allowed to have roosters here). Unfortunatley that will leave me with a single pullet to integrate with my 2 older hens. The older ones are about 2 years old and the new ones are 7 weeks. The new ones have been in a smaller cage in the run and sleeping in the coop (on the floor usually) for a couple of weeks. What is the best way to go about this? Should I open up the cage and let them all fight it out while I still have the rooster, and then give away the rooster after a week or so? Or should I give away the rooster right away and then try to integrate the singleton alone? Please help!
i would introduce the two younger ones together. The rooster shouldn't start crowing for a while anyway. slowly let them see each other whether that be through mesh then gradually le them play with each other in a large area so they can get away from each other. then once they can mix with few problems i would put them together.
Personally, I'd integrate first then give away the roo later. Two are going to get picked on less than one and they will give each other confidence whilst they have a familiar buddy with them.
I agree with both these folks. I have a friend who had 4 adult hens and got 2 more chicks. She let the two chicks integrate with the older hens when they were about 4 months old and approximately the same size. She is now considering giving away one of the younger chickens who turned out to be a rooster.
Thank you! I will plan to do that. Another option, though, would be to try to get another 8 week old chick and replace the rooster....though, I'm afraid I could end up in the same situation. I really wanted 4 laying hens but I suppose I can settle for 3. Thanks for your advice!
