Rescued Rooster-What kind? Pics included.

[Shifty Joe]

Putting the new comer in at night often works, seems if they wake up together then they must be friends. If they still have major issues (some pecking will be expected), you can put a fence between them for a few days so they can adjust without being able to peck.

 

[jandmeg07]

Thanks Shifty! We kept him in the garage tonight, but I was thinking in the morning I should start him out in the run? That way the ladies can get used to his presence without being able to pick on him. We don't use the run most days, as they just free range.

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

You have to keep him serperate on quarantine for a month before you put him with the girls. Who knows what he could have running inside him? Keep an eye on him internally and externally as well as his behavior during this time. If you put him with the hens now, and he has some secret illness, he could pass it onto your flock. Because he has already had contact with your hens, keep an eye on them, too. You have no idea where this boy came from. He sounds okay from your description, but better safe than sorry.

I second keeping him seperate for at the very least, a few days before you just throw him into your flock (after quarantine). The hens all know their places and rely on the pecking order to survive. The newcomer, although a rooster, is screwing with their social group, so they need time to get to know each other, or else you're asking for a blood-bath. After quarantine, allow him to get to know the hens safely, through wire or some sort of cage (Your run would work well for this). After a week or so, let them out with each other and watch for signs or blood. There will be some fighting, as this is routine for newbies. I wouldn't dare to put him in the coop over night, for Wally's own safety. Chickens are smarter than people give them credit for. They can tell a newcomer from a flock member right away, and in such a compact space with, I'm assuming, few places to hide, your rooster would have the snot kicked out of him. When they meet, do it outside where he can get away if need be. Depending on your hens, he could range from anywhere from middle-ranker to top-dog.

 

[jerseygirl1]

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