When is it safe to.......

[Doughnut]

Hi all. I don't know what I would do without this forum. As a first time chicken owner I have so much to learn.

My chickens are three months old now. They have been kept in an enclosed area ( coop with big outside run). I would very much like to let them loose out into the yard and pasture during the day both for more exercise and to dig around for goodies, but I am afraid to due to a rooster that adopted us several months back from the neighbor. The rooster is older and is a pretty big guy. He chases all my cats! He hangs out by the coop and struts for the three month old hens from the other side of the fence.

When can I safely let my young ones out without worrying what Stew Pot ( that is what I named the big rooster) hurting them?

Thanks.

 

[marytoast]

I don't think he wants to hurt them. He want to ----- them.

 

[Doughnut]

That is kind of what I was thinking. He wants to get 'to 'know' the hens. Are they too young to turn loose with him? He is huge compared to them. Will he tear them up when he is, you know. I also have a White Silkie rooster who is also three months old. Will Stew Pot hurt little Bob-A-Loo? Oh what to do, what to do.