harmesonfarm
Songster
Just curious, we'll be most likely adding a few new hens (2-3) to our flock either sometime this fall or next spring, depending on when the breed we want is available to buy (it'll be most likely ameraucana) .
On that note, we currently have a flock of 7 pullets and one cockerel...will the cockerel help "protect" the new hens a little bit at the beginning?
Will integrating the new hens be easier with a rooster or harder? Currently the hens and our cockerel are the same age - approx. 24 weeks. They are laying and have an established pecking order...currently they all roost on the same roost (the very top) all snuggled together.
Because they grew up together and are established through that way, will it be harder adding new hens, in comparison to a flock of varying breeds / ages?
This will be the first time we'll be doing this, I haven't been able to find much on integrating new members with a rooster-run flock. Maybe it doesn't make any difference.
We have MaranX chickens right now.
Thanks!
On that note, we currently have a flock of 7 pullets and one cockerel...will the cockerel help "protect" the new hens a little bit at the beginning?
Will integrating the new hens be easier with a rooster or harder? Currently the hens and our cockerel are the same age - approx. 24 weeks. They are laying and have an established pecking order...currently they all roost on the same roost (the very top) all snuggled together.
Because they grew up together and are established through that way, will it be harder adding new hens, in comparison to a flock of varying breeds / ages?
This will be the first time we'll be doing this, I haven't been able to find much on integrating new members with a rooster-run flock. Maybe it doesn't make any difference.
We have MaranX chickens right now.
Thanks!