Rooster afraid of hens

[homesteadmama26]

Hello everyone, hoping to get some insight. I have 2 seven month old white leghorns. 4 days ago I introduced a year old RIR Roo to the girls because I would like some fertile eggs. Well my girls attacked him when he got near them, he won't go any where near them now. They are free range so he stays on one side of the property and the girls on the other. What's the chances of getting some fertile eggs from this group? Should I add more hens? I plan to but if I need to sooner I will. Thanks!

 

[nchls school]

You won't get eggs until they form a flock that includes the rooster. If this hasn't been going on for long I see now it has been four days. I'd wait a while to see if the birds work this out on their own. the rooster, most likely, will become more assertive towards the hens. If it has been a long time you might consider locking one hen in with the rooster in a large pen/room that is new to both birds. A new place puts both birds on equal footing. Watch them for a while. If that works add the other hen. I've done this a couple of times with good luck.

 

[aart]

Give it time...
.....and yes, he probably will 'need' more hens, if he starts over mating the 2 pullets you have.

But then.... you'll have another integration situation, so prepare for that before getting more birds.