Neighbors Died

[5OneChick]

Neighbors died and their young (3-4 months old) flock of 20 (all standards, mixed breeds) (18 hens, 2 roosters) is being rehomed to a city that doesn’t allow roos.

One of the boys is a big beautiful grey Orpington, and the other is a smaller white Leghorn. The leghorn seems to be somewhat of a bully to the Orpington. No aggression has been demonstrated towards me when I visit to check on them.

I’m considering adopting these roosters. My flock is 3 yo, (7 hens) (4 standards & 3 silkies).
Two silkies were additions to our original flock. Consequently a few standards tend to pick on the 2 slightly younger silkies. Two silkies sleep in a small coop and the remaining 5 hens sleep in a large coop.

All our chickens have names and are considered pets.
Neighbors’ chickens have no names and are kept in their coop 100% and kept strictly for egg production.

Typically our flock will free range in our fenced yard a couple times a day, only while supervised. Aerial predators are an issue.

Been wanting to replace a mean rooster we rehomed a year ago but this isn’t how I imagined doing so.
Had knee surgery couple months ago therefore my time and energy is limited. Our coops are not close nor conveniently located to our house. Necessarily all chicken duties have been assigned solely to my husband. Thankfully, he adores the chickens, but I know sharing the duties would be a lot easier for him.

We’re in a rural suburb area, and the roosters will likely be left out to fend for themselves. This breaks my heart and does not match my philosophy. I’ve asked around for possible homing solutions but had no luck yet.

What’s the likelihood my hens may accept these boys graciously?
Should I wait to get another batch of chicks in a year or two as I planned?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Do you have the coop space for the new additions, since it sounds like there's already a bit of strife at bedtime.

Generally hens would take to roosters pretty easily but these are cockerels, not roosters. Don't be surprised if the hens to beat up on the cockerels and teach them their place until the boys reach maturity.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I'm sorry about the death of your neighbors.

 

[Mrs. K]

I would be worried about the silkies. They might need a completely separate place 24/7 if you add roosters.

To be honest, it almost is never a good idea to take a bird that you feel sorry for, it is just not generally a good judgement call. If you really have been hankering for a leg horn or a BO, that is a different case.

Two roosters are twice the chance that it won't work out.

Mrs K

 

[FrostRanger]

I agree with @Mrs. K, do you want or need either roo? Do you have more than enough space for everyone? Do you have a spot to quarantine the boys?

Also, 7 hens is really generally not enough for 2 roos, while you're not guaranteed problems, you are more likely to have issue with the boys overbreeding the girls, if you do end up separating the silkies, I'd hesitate to put even one roo with them as even one is more likely to over breed just 5 hens. I'm also not crazy about the leghorn's temperament but at this point it's just something to be mindful of. If you decide against keeping them, you can still help them by finding them homes elsewhere