Question about roosters

[silverlaced44]

Hi!
I was thinking of buying a rooster from a family member. But he would be older then the new chicks I'm getting, I was wondering if he would bully them? They will be hens, And I will only introduce them when they are old enough to be away from a heat lamp.

Thanks

 

[junebuggena]

How old is the rooster? If he is still a cockerel, pass on him. Young cockerels are full of hormones and will try to mate with just about anything he can catch, even if the pullet isn't mature enough. Wait until your girls are fully mature and laying, then find them a younger cockerel. The older hens will teach the younger cockerel manners, and he will gradually earn the hens' adoration as he matures. Hormone-fueled teenage boys are a lot easier to deal with, when there is a flock of adult hens to help keep him in check.

 

[silverlaced44]

What if I put him in with one of my old hens?

 

[junebuggena]

What if I put him in with one of my old hens?

Be prepared for her to beat the crap out of him at first, and make sure they have plenty of space.

 

[silverlaced44]

So after that he will be nice to the younger ones?

 

[junebuggena]

As long as the older girls keep him under control, he should be fine with the younger pullets when they are ready to be integrated.

 

[Monguire]

I agree with junebuggena, cockerels can add an unwelcome variable with their surging hormones. The ONLY way I would consider taking on a cockerel was if I had a troupe of old, age-hardened battle-axe hens to teach him manners and make sure he minded them.

I doubt tossing a cockerel in with a single older hen would do much to curb his behavior. There is strength in numbers and a number of curmudgeonly ol gals will raise him up right in no time!

 

[silverlaced44]

I've got three hens that really pack a punch, I think they can beat some manners into him.