New larger rooster with younger hens

[MistysGirls]

We are new to the wonderful world of chickens (I love my girls already). Our girls are 6 weeks old and doing awesome! We were given a rooster yesterday that is about 16 weeks old. He is over twice the size of our girls and I want to make sure we introduce him to them in the proper way. We put him in a smaller cage and set it next to the bigger coop the girls are in. I don't want anyone to get hurt putting them together, so I would love any help or suggestions anyone has for us.
Thanks!

 

[roostersandhens]

Welcome I'm so glad you joined BYC!

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, MistysGirls, and

! Great to have you with us! I think you are doing the right thing be introducing them the way you are. My guess would be the hens, being established, will actually dominate the rooster for awhile. I don't think he come in and "rule the roost" right off. Good luck to you!

 

[drumstick diva]

Your pullets are 6 weeks old and the young cockerel is 16 weeks - yikes. They really don't stand a chance against him. If the ages would reversed it would be better but, nothing you can do about that.

What you are doing now is the proper way to introduce them but, 6 week old chicks certainly aren't going to injure him. All I can think of is to let the pullets get older so they won't be so tiny but, that delays their meeting. Maybe someone coming along will have better suggestions.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC! I would keep them separate until they're closer to the same size, but that's just my opinion.

 

[CedarAcres]

I'd also keep them apart until the girls are larger in size. Welcome to BYC!