Seven dead hens within 4 hours, not attacked. UPDATE: Teflon Poisoning!

[AaronandAlice]

Lane Staley (The rooster) is still hanging in there I'm happy to say. We have decided to get him a few hen friends. Where he is alone, and the hens are already used to one another- do you think they'll get along right off or do we need to do extra steps to introduce them?

 

[aart]

do you think they'll get along right off or do we need to do extra steps to introduce them?

The might get along OK, younger cockerels(he's 6 months?) can be rowdy.
I'd have a wire crate in the coop ready in case he needs a 'time out'.
Best of cLuck!

 

[Morrigan]

I've been following the story, and am so, so, sorry for what you went through. Just wanted to say that I'm glad your rooster is pulling through and that you are getting him some companions. I would probably start by putting some kind of divider in your coop and/or run where the new hens can see and hear the rooster, but they are physically separated for at least a couple of days so they have a chance to get used to each other before doing a supervised integration.

 

[lazy gardener]

Agreed with Aart. In this case, I'd do a cursory mite inspection, and toss them in. Perhaps with an evening intro? Keep an alternate pen handy just in case he needs a bit of separation. My guess is that he will welcome them with open wings. He'll think he won the lottery.

Lane Staley (The rooster) is still hanging in there I'm happy to say. We have decided to get him a few hen friends. Where he is alone, and the hens are already used to one another- do you think they'll get along right off or do we need to do extra steps to introduce them?

 

[Morrigan]

Agreed with Aart. In this case, I'd do a cursory mite inspection, and toss them in. Perhaps with an evening intro? Keep an alternate pen handy just in case he needs a bit of separation. My guess is that he will welcome them with open wings. He'll think he won the lottery.

If Aart and lazy gardener think they can be immediately integrated, than I would try that, rather then the 2 day separation I suggested. It's much simpler that way and it does seem doubtful that your rooster would be aggressive to incoming hens, or that the hens would be aggressive to a full grown rooster on his home turf. I was probably been overly cautious. Best of luck!

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Wouldn't that be a great gift for Mr. Survivor! Good luck hope it goes well.

 

[TwoCrows]

Lane Staley (The rooster) is still hanging in there I'm happy to say. We have decided to get him a few hen friends. Where he is alone, and the hens are already used to one another- do you think they'll get along right off or do we need to do extra steps to introduce them?

Generally mixing a flock of hens with a rooster isn't a problem. They will automatically assume he is flock leader. I think you are making a great decision here!

 

[bruceha2000]

I think you can expect some "pecking order" activity. The girls will have theirs already set but it will be a new environment for them and the rooster is a "new kid". The alpha hen may challenge his "authority" over his coop but my guess is they will settle pretty well.

 

[casportpony]

Not sure if it’s good or bad he won’t let me catch him tonight. Still a little shivery, making him an egg yolk

He’s eating the cooked yolk well anyway

He is a handsome boy!

 

[BY Bob]

I agree with Aart and the others I would do a health check and put them right together. The rooster will keep things smooth himself He needs companionship so he can move on.

I am really grateful you found him some hens.