More help please

[crusting]

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!

 

[chittyn]

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.

 

[Bantam Username]

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.

 

[chicken grandma]

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.

 

[crusting]

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!