Poor Roofio the Rooster!

[TheLadyChickens]

Hello Chicken Oracle!

What is a good rule of thumb for the proper rooster age for introduction?
We purchased some hens and two chicks around August 5th this summer. At that time our rooster chick was already 1 month old. He's already past the 3 month marker and is still smaller than our hens (especially our massive orpingtons!).

We've introduced them several times and they roam the yard together. But...

Roofio the Rooster is fanning out his neck feathers and fronting the hens, trying to mount our younger pullet...however our hen's retaliate, and Roofio runs for cover and had a bloody comb today. Should we wait a month longer or so? Thanks!

 

[SunnyCalifornia]

The hens are probably just teaching him some manners. Young roosters can be overzealous and annoying.

 

[ReikiStar]

Agree...poor Roofio, but having seen young roosters break blood feathers on hens, I think it's actually a good thing that he learns to respect the hens. Be around to save him but all in all, let them work it out in an open space. Will he be cooped up with them? That's where I'd be concerned for everyone's safety.