Should we introduce a new rooster to our flock?

[SeaAggieShelby15]

We recently gave away our Star Spangled Hamburg because he was spurring and scaring me, as well as attacking some of the sweet hens we have. But our hens are confused and broody even without an egg underneath them. They have been pecking each other and making very loud noises and very anxious.

Thanks for your input,
--Shelby

 

[theuglychick]

Hi!

I don't think a rooster will stop the broodiness, but he may minimize the squabbling between the hens.

I love roosters and always have a few on hand so I think if you can give a good one a home you should definitely go for it!

 

[MillersFarm]

Hi!

I don't think a rooster will stop the broodiness, but he may minimize the squabbling between the hens.

I love roosters and always have a few on hand so I think if you can give a good one a home you should definitely go for it!

x2 Try looking on craigslist near your area theres bound to be a rooster or two for sale of even for free. I'd make sure i'd a grown mature and non-aggressive Rooster not a young reckless cockerel. You'll also want to keep him separate from your flock for at least 5 days to make sure nothing is wrong with him and that he doesn't bring a sickness into your flock.

 

[SeaAggieShelby15]

I have a friend with about 10 roosters she is looking to find a home for but they are young.

 

[theuglychick]

I can tell you how I handle introducing young roosters (cockerels) and it may help, but it also may not be feasible for your situation.

I have introduced a good many cockerels (always fully feathered) as young as 9 weeks to my flocks before without major incident.

I do this by introducing at least 2 new cockerels at a time.

The hens will undoubtedly pick on them (just give them some hidey-holes and cover to hang out behind), but, for me, even with the pecking and squabbling, cockerels always seem to integrate into an established flock better than pullets.

I always try to introduce multiple young cockerels (if I can help it) for a couple reasons-

For one, like I said the hens will pick on them, it's part of upsetting the pecking order by introducing new birds. Having multiple new birds takes the pressure off of just one bird being picked on, plus being introduced to a new flock with a friend helps the newer birds adjust better as well.

Secondly, one of them will usually turn out to be a mean little turd. They start out by chest-bumping then move on to flogging and attacking people. Those go elsewhere.

The problem with only having one cockerel is if he turns out to be a turd, then you have to rehome him and start all over.

If they all turn out good boys, it's pretty easy to find someone with a flock that needs them. Good roosters are hard to come by.

Introducing Multiple cockerels will allow you to weed out the naughty ones and (hopefully) get a good boy.

I've had good luck with this. I hope this helps!

 

[Chickassan]

You could set up a little pen for him to mature in. Sometimes just being able to see and vocalize with a male is good enough for the ladies. That would give everyone a chance to safely get aquainted too.

I have a friend with about 10 roosters she is looking to find a home for but they are young.