Will replacing your rooster make your hen flocks merge?

[Aboodles]

Welcome to BYC Aboodles!

Chickens will have 'best friends' that they will hang around with most of the time. The new girls will eventually be accepted by the others. Just give them time.
A move to a new location can upset their laying for a while and it's possible that they aren't fully mature yet.

I totally understand that, though it has been like 3 weeks? the other hens started laying in say 4 days.
The breeder I bought them from claimed they were laying age. They are also the same size of my laying hens.

 

[Aboodles]

Thanks for the all answers everyone btw. You are all so helpful and I appreciate the quick replies

 

[lazy gardener]

The fact that this roo is eating eggs is a deal breaker. Generally, a roo's protein needs are less than the needs of the hens. So, if your feed has a recent mill date, and is 16% or higher on the protein, I'd be plugging in the crock pot and inviting that bad boy to dinner. He's pretty, but, pretty can't make up for eating eggs. Do you really need a roo? For what purpose?

 

[lazy gardener]

BTW, size really does not have a bearing on whether birds are laying age. It's entirely dependent on sexual maturity.

 

[junebuggena]

Wont he always been an egg eater now, out of habit, even if the protein is sorted?

Not always. If you adress protein deficiency soon enough, it won't become habit.

I have been feeding my flock high protein and calcium feed. Besides their feed, I have been feeding them the occasional tuna, nuts, scrambled eggs, chicken safe veggies and fruit, and cooked beans. I don't think there is a problem with their diet.

Some folk told me that if I were to cover the nest so it's darker it would help my case. I did that and his egg eating habit has declined, but it is still there. He eats less eggs now but the ones laid near the opening of the nest where he can see are eaten the moment he sees them.

Too many fruits and veggies can cut the protein intake too much. Try not giving anything other than feed and protein packed extras for a few weeks.

 

[lazy gardener]

BTW, JB is giving excellent advice, spot on at looking at protein before culling.

 

[Aboodles]

Not always. If you adress protein deficiency soon enough, it won't become habit.

Too many fruits and veggies can cut the protein intake too much. Try not giving anything other than feed and protein packed extras for a few weeks.

Thank you! I will try that. Hopefully it all goes well.

 

[chickens really]

Hello..I'm guessing these are Pullets and Not mature Hens that lay eggs yet?
With that said the Rooster is not interested sexually to them and actually is being a good Rooster.
Give it time and they will merge and you will have a happy flock..Chickens communicate and only they really understand the dynamics of their flock..
Best wishes...

 

[Chickassan]

Don't replace the roo, it's only been 3 weeks which is absolutely no time in chicken integration terms. Give them time, when everyone matures they will all follow the roo and become one big flock.

 

[red horse ranch]

Do the new hens have bright red combs? That's usually a sign that they should be laying eggs. If their combs are dark or dull looking they won't be as attractive in a rooster's eyes.