What does it mean when my rooster "hugs" a strange hen?

[akitafriendakita]

I'm introducing my two Silkie flocks to each other, they've been able to view each other through a fence for about a month. Today is the first day they had free access to each other. So far, they are staying in their own corners and not really approaching each other. If they do approach, it has been polite so far and not much pecking between them yet.

My older flock is six hens who do not have a rooster anymore and have been rooster-less for a while. Today, one of my more moody older hens ran up to the new rooster and maybe attempted to challenge him, but my rooster "hugged" the hen (wrapped his neck over her and just sat there.) He wasn't pinning her down or attempting to hump her as roosters might do, just a neck hug. Eventually, my older hen just walked away. What does this mean? Is my new rooster attempting to get her on his side or something?

I've also had one hen attempting to jump into the coop with my new flock (they have two different coops,) but she may be doing that to attempt to bully one of my younger chickens. I can't really tell because I didn't watch her the whole time she got in there, I just noticed and took her out for now because I wasn't sure how safe it was to have her sleep in there on the first day.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Lady of McCamley]

He just asserted dominance to her challenge and did it very well. He is taking the job of being the head rooster seriously but gentlemanly. Good boy.

As the older and younger flocks integrate, a good rooster will keep the peace and help all find their spot on the pecking order without undo discord.

A good rooster is worth his weight in gold.

Keep watching, but this is a good sign.

LofMc

 

[akitafriendakita]

He just asserted dominance to her challenge and did it very well. He is taking the job of being the head rooster seriously but gentlemanly. Good boy.

As the older and younger flocks integrate, a good rooster will keep the peace and help all find their spot on the pecking order without undo discord.

A good rooster is worth his weight in gold.

Keep watching, but this is a good sign.

LofMc

Thank you! I'm glad it's going good, he's a good rooster.

The older hens wanted to be a little closer today so I moved their feeders closer to the other group so they can sit by them, I'm glad to see that they're starting to get along!