rooster and chicks

[sneakers]

I have a question. I have a silkie roo in a pen with his two hens. The hens are both broody and have sat on their eggs that are due to hatch this week. Is he a threat to the chicks? Or will he protect them?

He is very gentle.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

If he's a gentle guy, he'll probably be fine. Just keep an eye just in case. My baby boy is great with chicks. He finds treats for them, shuffles them to safety when he thinks somethings up, and he's even taken charge of a brood of chicks to give mom some kid free time. You can imagine how frantic I was when I came outside to find mama scratching around with no chicks. Turns out they were in the coop with dad taking a dirt bath in the shavings

Good luck!

 

[BrattishTaz]

It really depends on the roo. Just keep an eye on him until you are sure he will not hurt them.

And

 

[Judy]

My experience has been similar, with 2 or 3 different roos. I hope yours is, too.

 

[lynnemabry]

My broody raised her clutch in the coop with the rest of the flock including the roo. There has been no problem at all.
In fact I almost(really almost) wish I always had a broody. So much easier that integrating pullets into the flock.

In fact the one month old babies roost with the big girls while the POL pullets are hiding in the corner.

 

[CityGirlintheCountry]

All of my roosters are good to the chicks. At the moment I have an orphan chick roosting at night up under my silkie roo.

 

[sneakers]

Thanks so much! I will keep a watchful eye on them!