When to introduce a rooster to flock

[suzychappstick]

Hi all, so I ended up with a rooster this time around. He is a little over 3 months and about the same size as my adult hens. I have been raising him separately with 3 other females, but I let all free range evening time. He has had some tussles with the older gals, losing some, winning some. Normally I wait to introduce new hens until the are the same size at the adult hens, about 5 months. Seeing as he is same size should I put him in with my flock of 10 and wait on the younger hens. Or wait until they are all 5 to 6 months? No fights between younger and older gals...although he does keep an eye on them.

 

[DobieLover]

Hi all, so I ended up with a rooster this time around. He is a little over 3 months and about the same size as my adult hens. I have been raising him separately with 3 other females, but I let all free range evening time. He has had some tussles with the older gals, losing some, winning some. Normally I wait to introduce new hens until the are the same size at the adult hens, about 5 months. Seeing as he is same size should I put him in with my flock of 10 and wait on the younger hens. Or wait until they are all 5 to 6 months? No fights between younger and older gals...although he does keep an eye on them.

Are the the three females with the cockerel his same age?
How much space do you have in your coop and run?
If they get along free ranging and you have enough space in your coop and run, you can allow them to mingle daily and eventually the pullets/cockerel will want to join the older flock in the coop.
It is very normal for hens to put the run on cockerels. It teaches them manners. If you had a rooster, he would keep the boys in line and keep them from abusing the pullets as well. When your cockerel matures a bit more he will eventually earn the respect and breeding rights to the hens. It's going to take time.

 

[suzychappstick]

Yes, the 3 females all are the same age. The coop is 6ft x 6ft x 6ft with wall ladder and shelves they sleep on. The run is a 20ft x 40ft. So do you think the rooster would protect the 3 younger ones from being picked on too much by the older gals if I put them together now? They are 3 months and a week old.

 

[Mrs. K]

No, I don't think the rooster will protect the pullets from the old hens. In the next two months, you are going to have to protect the pullets from the cockerel. He will be interested in sex long before they are ready.

I would put him in with your older girls, and yes they might be mean to him. Does your run have hideouts, roosts, platforms? Places where he can escape? If so, put him in there, if not, add that stuff and then put him in there. They are still bigger than him and will teach him some manners. Older birds make better roosters out of young cockerels.

I would add the pullets when they start laying.

Mrs K

 

[aart]

In the next two months, you are going to have to protect the pullets from the cockerel.

Yes...and protect the cockerel from the old hens.
Tho maybe the old hens will protect the pullets from the cockerel.

The coop is 6ft x 6ft x 6ft

Tight space for 14(?) birds.

 

[suzychappstick]

No, I don't think the rooster will protect the pullets from the old hens. In the next two months, you are going to have to protect the pullets from the cockerel. He will be interested in sex long before they are ready.

I would put him in with your older girls, and yes they might be mean to him. Does your run have hideouts, roosts, platforms? Places where he can escape? If so, put him in there, if not, add that stuff and then put him in there. They are still bigger than him and will teach him some manners. Older birds make better roosters out of young cockerels.

I would add the pullets when they start laying.

Mrs K

Sounds like a plan, thanks for the input!!!