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disko985

disko985

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Hey everyone, I am new here and from Pennsylvania. Got a small flock of 10 Rhode Islands or some close relative to them all hens. I just got my first rooster for the group as he is a Rhode Island/ Americauna breed. He is a few weeks younger but a beautiful bird. Only problem is my hens are attacking him at the moment and he hides in the nesting box or behind a bale of hay. Any suggestions? Again great site for any questions.
 
Hello there and welcome to BYC!
frow.gif


Let this cockerel grow up a bit before you mix him into the flock. So keep him in his own quarters but within the flock at all times. When he is close to their size, then you can mix him in. He is probably just to small and new birds always need slow introductions. Never just throw a new bird into a flock. There is a pecking order and lots of fighting can ensue. Keep him separated but within the flock for atleast 3 weeks. Let them all get to know each other from behind wire. But still keep him separated until he is old enough or close to the size of the rest of the flock as he could get hurt and he can't live in a nest box until he grows up.

Good luck and welcome to our flock!
 
Ok will do. Thanks for the advice. I will fence him inside the coup for now as it is large enough to do this. And give his his own run to get outside and stretch his legs. He is maybe 1-2 weeks younger just not as well fed as the hens. (Where he was from he didnt get alot of grit and lots a veggies which led to undigested foods.) He is good now with grit in his gizzard to break this food down. But I will quarantine his for a few weeks but within visible contact of the hens and hope this works. Thank you.
 
Hello :frow and Welcome To BYC! TwoCrows gave you some good advice, they just need time to get used to each other, good luck with your new roo and your flock.
 
Thanks everyone. Just left work to go check on them with this heat. He was out and not hiding and up on the highest roost spot in the coop eating the hidden zuchini I put up there for later while all his girls were watching him in awww it seemed. HAHAHAHA but will quarantine him tonight just to prevent future squabbles. Thanks again everyone.
 
Welcome to BYC! Glad you decided to join our flock. You've been given some good advice by TwoCrows. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. We are here to help in any way we can. Good luck in integrating your rooster into the flock.
 

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