Swapping Hens with Rooster - Will it Stress them?

[crazy chook]

I have a frizzle rooster with 3 hens and I would like to change 2 of the hens that he is with for two other girls.
Their pens are side by side so they all see each other every day but I just wondered if that will stress them?

 

[lauralou]

Probably. Any little change can and will stress chickens. However, they will get over it in a few days. Just keep an eye on them to make sure that everything goes well.

I just switched a few chickens out this evening. Put two hens in a different pen with a lone hen who was broody but just weaned her babies. Put a hen who was being overly aggressive in a pen with older, more aggressive hens. (That'll fix her!) I figured that tonight was a good time to do it because I'll be able to keep an eye on them over the weekend.

Good luck!

 

[wolftracks]

Quote:
Oh I did that too. I have a BR and a mixed hen and they've been running my poor games ragged. Now their in with some big girls and they're the ones on the roost! Bad girls!

 

[crazy chook]

I have added the two that I want with the rooster, Just opened the door today and they wondered in, NO aggression from anyone, just wandering around scratching and eating.

The rooster was a bit excited and just had to jump on them but no bullying or hurting anyone. I will let the other girls back out to the big pen later.