Wanting to add a rooster to my flock

[Ajwilly]

Hello all,
I started with 17 hens, and I am unfortunately down to 14. My newest loss was today and 1 of 2 of my white leghorns. And a few days prior a Rhode Island Red. Both of these appear to be from my barn cats that have shown interest in them. They are about 8 weeks old now. I’ve done everything to keep the cats away short of disposing of the cats that are interested.

So I’ve determined that it’s going to be best to add a rooster to my flock. Do you have any tips for introducing a new rooster to the flock so it will be safe for everyone ? Thanks in advance

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It isn't hard to add a rooster to an existing flock without a rooster - after quarantine.
So at 8 weeks, they aren't hens yet. They are pullets. Do you have a place where you can get a cockerel of the same or slightly older age?
Where are you located? Perhaps you can find an appropriate aged bird on craigslist.
I would look for a rooster of a large Mediterranean breed. They are agile enough and big enough to take on a lot of different predators. None of the Mediterranean breeds I've known have been human aggressive.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
Eight week old chicks, without a mama hen, are easy prey, and should be better protected. They need a safe coop and run, and only outside time with supervision. In a flock having adult large breed birds, this would be unlikely to occur, but here you are, and you need to manage better.
Have you seen one or more of your cats actually attacking a chick? Are you guessing instead? If it is one of your cats, then either rehome the cat, safeguard the chicks better, or expect more losses.
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

Very few cats will tackle adult standard sized hens or roosters! Are these cats well fed? Hunting and eating are separate behaviors, but a hungry cat will be more motivated.
Mary

 

[Ajwilly]

I am from southern Ohio. I made a run, and watched a cat break in through a spot I had missed. They are well fed, but the cats that are stalking the chicks are not able to be picked up. I have about 15 cats and the others are fine around them

 

[Ajwilly]

These are some of my girls before we lost a few.

 

[Folly's place]

I'd be removing the culprits, meanwhile protecting the chicks. If a cat can get to them, so many other predators can too.
Mary

 

[ChickenCanoe]

With 15 outdoor cats, you are creating havoc for your animals and all the native wildlife.
If it were me, I'd eliminate all of them.

 

[Ajwilly]

My only issue with removing the cats is they keep the mice and birds and other rodents out of my barns. So that’s why I wanted to get a rooster to keep the cats away from the chicks

 

[Folly's place]

I have one barn cat, and he does a very nice job all by himself...
Mary