Rooster?

[Ihavesomechickens]

I sectioned off a part of the run for him so they can see him. Yesterday and today the others immediately tried to get to him and fight him through the wire. Is that okay? Do you think they’ll calm down after a few more days?

I would let them fight now to establish hierarchy and only stop them if they get injured. The longer you wait to introduce them fully the more they will fight afterwards.

 

[littlemamahen]

I would let them fight now to establish hierarchy and only stop them if they get injured. The longer you wait to introduce them fully the more they will fight afterwards.

Even if he’s still limping?

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

Even if he’s still limping?

Maybe hold off until he can walk fully.

 

[MysteryChicken]

He's a cockerel.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I sectioned off a part of the run for him so they can see him. Yesterday and today the others immediately tried to get to him and fight him through the wire. Is that okay? Do you think they’ll calm down after a few more days?

Long term, fighting through the wire would not be recommended as both could get injured but there would still be no clear winner leaving both frustrated. But now you see, it would be MUCH worse with more time.

How long was he separated for already?

What you have now with the separation is called "look but don't touch". It does allow for some antics to take place.. hopefully allowing them to work it out SOME of the hierarchy before full reintegration. Keep your injured one safe until he's able to hold his own well. Keeping in sight like this will allow for him to go back. Otherwise, the returned guy will be seen as an intruder and the two WILL fight until one is beat up enough to back off.

And YES.. cockerels/pullets.. teenagers in general are the worst! They have the most amount of hormones raging and it's in their nature to test their boundaries and work to establish their place in this world. So think of it as two teen boys horse playing and competing to win the affections of their lady companions. I would say that patience is key in this instance.

If need be, I might consider adding a secondary barrier for separation.. like a fence outside a kennel.. to prevent actual contact.. I have not had to do this YET.. but every situation is unique and so I'm thinking of possibilities in case you feel extra challenges or uncomfortable with the current conditions.

But keeping him in sight NOW is the best way I know of to achieve peace later and letting them get out their major aggression whilst keeping both birds mostly safe.

Another consideration.. (Sorry, I'm a major over thinker who tries desperately to get things right), I MIGHT put the injured boy with the ladies and the other guy in the kennel.. on alternating days (or something like that) to kinda swap roles and keep him "in" with the ladies as well?? If I did do this, I would make the swap after dark so they wake up like like this instead of me doing any chasing.

Please note my suggestions are not because the non injured boy did anything wrong. He's doing what's natural. It's just a matter of trying to help work things out best for the entire flock, according to YOUR goals.

I never have issues with my flock pecking scabbed wounds.. they love blood and if they "check" the wound and accidentally get the reward of blood they do continue to go for it. But it small scabs that look like a bug sitting on ya that attract more attention than major stuff... in MY experience. So if you're worried about the ladies doing to good a job grooming the injured guy.. maybe keep an eye out and see how it goes.

Hey, pics of your flock and your boys always welcome!

ETA: With ANY advice given.. ALWAYS do what makes the most amount of sense to YOU, and always feel free to get more opinions.

 

[Barbh503]

What a beautiful boy! Welcome!