two roosters

[NeeCee51]

I have two roosters and three hens. when hey were small they seemed to get along pretty well. Now that they are about 10 weeks old they seem to chase and peck at each other a lot. They also gang up on one of the hens more than the other two. Is this normal or am I going to have to get rid of one of the roosters. Hate to do it since I've had them since they were babies. Will they get along in the future??

 

[LRH97]

I would suggest re homing one of the roos, or getting a few more hens. While chasing and picking on hens is normal male behavior, it will be pretty easy for problems to arise with only three girls for both of them whether it is conflicts between the males or over-bred hens.

 

[NeeCee51]

Since I am so new at this can you tell me what re homing is? Sorry, I have and am learning a lot from these posts, they have been so helpful. I am planning on three more hens of a different breed. Not sure of how to introduce them to the current flock???

 

[tinkershell767]

Re homing is when you give a chicken home with other people. I have never added new birds to my flock so I don't know what to do there. I would probably let the new hens roam with the current ones for a couple days and see how it goes. Then if the girls and guys get along I would try letting them live together. Like I said before though, I've never actually done it.

 

[NeeCee51]

Thanks so much...I have heard of several ways to introduce new ones so guess I'll just try and see what happens. Of course they will be watched carefully...thanks again..

 

[LRH97]

Thanks so much...I have heard of several ways to introduce new ones so guess I'll just try and see what happens. Of course they will be watched carefully...thanks again..

Waiting to see what happens if fine too. For future reference, craigslist is where I go the most. Or there's always the pot (my last resort) which seems to be somewhat disliked among most backyard chicken owners.

 

[Peeps61]

Hi - If you want to add new birds to your flock, there will be conflict because the pecking order will need to be re-established. If possible, put your younger birds in a pen either next to or inside of your current coop so that the hens can see the younger birds and get used to them and vice versa without having actual contact with them. After a week or so, you can start to let them mingle, but make sure your younger birds have some places to hide where the bigger birds have a hard time getting to them. You will still have conflict until they sort it all out, but as long as the younger birds are close to the same size as the older birds and sound like hens (not chicks) it will work itself out. I agree about just having one rooster as well. Two can be a real handful and can stress your hens with too much attention and overmating.

 

[NeeCee51]

Thanks, I will try that. we have a movable chicken tractor I can put next to the run. This sounds stupid but what do I do with the new ones at night? I don't have the space to put the chicken tractor inside the coop. Also it won't fit in the run since it's too wide. Can I just leave them in the tractor with bedding etc. for them? I hate to sound so dumb but I really need more hens and plan on getting ones that are the same age.

 

[emmyeagle]

Make sure you quarantine the new birds for about a month before putting in with your current flock. Just in case they have a disease that you don't want spred to your guys.

 

[Peeps61]

I was thinking that you had chicks - the quarantine issue is important too. If the birds are old enough to be outside, then they should go inside to roost at night in the coop part of the chicken tractor. When I first moved my older chicks out to the tractor, it took them a few days to figure out where the coop was and what it was for. I caught them and put them in the coop for a few nights then left them alone after that. I noticed that evening that they put themselves to bed in the coop. That being said, I'ld just put them in the tractor and allow them to figure out where they need to go after it gets dark. Don't put them near your other flock until they quarantine period is ended and they are obviously healthy. Then, put them next the the other coop and let the hens get to know each other. Integrating can be a bit stressful, but it will all settle down! Have fun.