When and how to add to my flock ?

[the newlyweds]

My amazing roo past away a few weeks ago an I really want to get another rooster. When would be a good time to do so ? Now before winter or in the spring ? Should I get a chick or an older bird ? How do I introduce him to my 3 remaining hens ?

. My handsome roo!

 

[Pork Pie]

Introducing a new rooster is not a problem as hens and roos have a separate pecking order, and the girls will not see him as a threat. Personally, i would get one at around 6 months old at least. Assuming you are not wishing to breed from him in the next 3-4 months, it may make more financial sense to wait until late Jan / early Feb before you get another rooster (otherwise you will be paying for feed etc for a few months with nothing to show for it) - that way he will become a member of the flock in time to give you fertile eggs come spring. I guess it depends on why you want a roo - if its for protection of the girls, then go ahead and get a mature roo now/

CT

 

[appps]

A chick is going to be a lot more work, one on it's own is going to peep constantly till it drives you mad lol and it's still going to have to be grown before you introduce it or the hens won't see it as a rooster and will probably kill it so that means heat lamps and all the rest of that brooder pen stuff.