New to roosters.

[kesrchicky16]

So I've been having flock losses. Coons!. We've decided that defense outweighs the possible negatives of roosters.
I've found some free roosters hatched on March 21.
I have added mature hens with no incident a couple times. But those were girls.
I usually use the playpen method of adding to the flock. Chainlink fence between so they can see but not touch. I keep them like that for a week then watch them and leave plenty of opportunity to get away.
My chickens are free range for most of the day I have 15 right now because of the losses and am getting 2 roosters.

How would you recommend I proceed this time. Should I play pen the roos? How long?
I also have ducks and a drake, cats and 1 dog that will soon learn why I keep telling him that the chickens don't want to play. Everyone gets along as if now.

 

[kesrchicky16]

I forgot to add. Yes the coons have been losing too. Husband has trapped and killed our local colony and we haven't seen any for almost a week but time will bring more.

 

[centrarchid]

The roosters will not be effective control measures for raccoons. For now treat roosters like hens. Until you get a some experience / confidence around the roosters, do not hand feed them or play with them. Rather get on top of keeping raccoons out. Roosters good for me only with hawks and that requires special conditions.

 

[kesrchicky16]

We have a pretty good coop set up. Our losses happened because of laziness on our part I know that. I look at the roosters as a 3rd line of defense. An alarm system with built in claws for in case.

 

[centrarchid]

Third line is accurate. They can also be looked upon as gap fillers and they are not worth a darn until 9 months old and can have a down time while in the heaviest part of molt where they are not inclined to go after even the smallest predator. I were to repeat startup, I would be pumping resources into a secure coop and setting up an electrified perimeter that keep ground predators some distance from the coop / roost site. Then I would be worrying about protecting free-range foraging and getting roosters as part of the predator management system.

 

[kesrchicky16]

I have only lost 2 to free ranging. 1 decided to become wild. Saw her from time to time she just wouldn't come home. The other we think was a bug, probably scorpion, bit. She just kealed over, no wound, no feather loss, no injuries.

The added benefit of roosters is i hear hens lay more consistently when you have a roo.

 

[Chickassan]

Nope hens don't lay any better with a rooster, in fact if he isn't a good rooster eggs can go down. Roosters are awesome don't get me wrong but kind of like people getting a good one is a crap shoot.

 

[AquaDuck]

I'd proceed in the same manner as with the adult hens. Let them see each other but not touch for a week. As you free range, both hens and cockerels will have plenty of opportunity to run away once you introduce them together. You should probably take that day off, though, two teenage boys versus 15 respectful grown up hens. Might be a bit of a show. lol!

 

[Chickassan]

I'd proceed in the same manner as with the adult hens. Let them see each other but not touch for a week. As you free range, both hens and cockerels will have plenty of opportunity to run away once you introduce them together. You should probably take that day off, though, two teenage boys versus 15 respectful grown up hens. Might be a bit of a show. lol!

X-2 on taking the day off .A bit of a show, you're just evil!

 

[AquaDuck]

X-2 on taking the day off .A bit of a show, you're just evil!

I'll put my money on the 15 hens. They're gonna give the two horny teenagers a run for their money. Haha!