New member to my flock

[JennMahoney]

Hi all! We have just today introduced a Rooster to our flock. My children have named him Titan. a very nice pastor from a local church offered him to us. He is a barred Plymouth rock.. I believe.
Now the advice I need is, how do we get him used to us? The pastor told us that he is very friendly and he's only been here a few hours, but is there a way to help us get him more used to us?

 

[Den in Penn]

I would never advise some one to make a pet of a rooster, especially if he has a flock. If he accepts that you can be around "his" flock is good enough. If you want him to get used to you then, treats and patience. Just taking the time to be around and let him get used to you. And make sure the kids don't chase him. That is a no no. Chickens are very aware that being chased means they are likely to be someones next meal. And that can set off him defending himself, which can quickly become aggression.

 

[JennMahoney]

I never allow my children to chase our chickens. Our hens are very friendly and like to be carried around the yard. Are you saying its not a good idea to introduce a rooster in to our flock? I don't want to stress out my hens

 

[BlackorpsRule]

I never allow my children to chase our chickens. Our hens are very friendly and like to be carried around the yard. Are you saying its not a good idea to introduce a rooster in to our flock? I don't want to stress out my hens

Den is saying that you should not expect to get friendly enough with the rooster that he will let you carry him around the yard. A good relationship with a rooster is him not attacking you when you come near his ladies. Roosters are not pets. They protect their flock and provide fertile eggs for hatching. The very docile breeds will eat treats from your hand if they are comfortable with you. Picking one up will usually always illicit an "I give up" type response where the bird will be still and pretty much unresponsive. Do not mistake this for friendliness, they simply have accepted defeat and resigned themselves to whatever fate being held may bring lol.

 

[JennMahoney]

Den is saying that you should not expect to get friendly enough with the rooster that he will let you carry him around the yard. A good relationship with a rooster is him not attacking you when you come near his ladies. Roosters are not pets. They protect their flock and provide fertile eggs for hatching. The very docile breeds will eat treats from your hand if they are comfortable with you. Picking one up will usually always illicit an "I give up" type response where the bird will be still and pretty much unresponsive. Do not mistake this for friendliness, they simply have accepted defeat and resigned themselves to whatever fate being held may bring lol.

Thank you for clearing that up!
We just got him yesterday and have to send him back today, he chased 2 of my hens away

This experience has shown us that we are not Rooster people

 

[katelk]

Thank you for clearing that up!
We just got him yesterday and have to send him back today, he chased 2 of my hens away

This experience has shown us that we are not Rooster people

Roosters chase hens. There will never be a situation where you introduce a new bird and they all immediately get along peacefully. If you gave him a few days they would all re-establish their hierarchy. Chickens are tough and built to survive. They are animals. Something that you see as stressful or violent is not necessarily how they see it or what it actually is.

 

[Den in Penn]

Sorry I didn't reply sooner I though I signed off yesterday. Making pets of roosters, that you can pickup at anytime takes time, work and patience. If it can be done at all. Having a rooster with the flock can be a great experience. Dropping a rooster into a flock cold can cause a more aggressive stance while he is integrating in to the flock. It is something that you have to let them work out. Even when they are integrated they will sometimes chase a hen they feel isn't toeing his line.