questions

[homestead tim]

Im new at this and really enjoying the chicken life! Questions that i have, hopefully someone can help.

I understand i need a rooster to watch over the herd. I have 8 month old pullets and 6 week old pullets. When should i introduce a rooster? is there anything special that i need to do to introduce them or just let nature take its place. How old should the rooster be? Does anyone in NE Ohio have a spare rooster?
thanks and i look forward to being a part of this site!
T

 

[Ridgerunner]

Welcome to the forum!

Glad you joined us!

You might try posting for a rooster on this thread. There should be someone in your general area that can help.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=12049

You do not absolutely have to have a rooster unless you want fertile eggs, but many of us do really like having a rooster with the flock.

If you can get a rooster that is as old or a little older thant the 8 month olds, all you have to do is turn him loose with them. He should immediately start mating with them and establish his dominance. There may be a little disruption when he is first introduced, but it will probably be pretty mimimal. They are living animals with their own personalities, so you will find there are no guarantees on how things will actually go with yours, but this normally goes pretty smoothly.

The risk if you get a rooster more immature than the oldest pullets is that they will not accept his dominance and wiill make his life miserable. This can even lead to his death of you have some really vicious hens. Again, this is not a guarantee of gloom and doom. I have had 4 month old roosters that dominated fully grown hens. But your odds are better if he is mature compared to the pullets.

Good luck, and again,

.

 

[homestead tim]

Thanks Ridge!

This is one heck of a hobby that pays dividends!

I have learned one thing so far. Ducks are a PIA!!!! I picked up a couple for my kids.......so far....bad move!
Thanks again and look forward to asking nice folks like you for help!

T