Should I get rid of my rooster?

[Randilaine]

I have recently moved into a home where the previous tenants left behind a free range rooster (along with 3 hens). The only problem that I have is that the rooster takes the hens to my neighbors house. This wouldn't be a problem except I have 4 six week old chickens, 4 that are 2 weeks old, 2 Guinea keets and a duckling. I don't want the rooster to teach them to cross the electric fence into the neighbors yard when I release them. If I get rid of the old rooster will the other chickens start their own path and hopefully stay away from his 4 pit bulls. I don't think he minds the chickens as he fed the rooster while no one lived in my house, I just don't want to bombard him with 12 chickens. Maybe since he wont be feeding my new additions they will stay on our side of the fence?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Are you planning to let your young ones free range? They may very well make their own way over there in time. I would suggest having a secure run. They are handy for confining birds when necessary.

Even if you remove the rooster, more than likely the older hens will still go over there because it's a routine.

 

[aart]

Ask the neighbor to stop feeding them.
Do the cock/erel and his hens sleep in a coop on your property?
Keep them locked in the coop and run for at least a week to 'home' them to your place.