Will the roo know that

[herefordlovinglady]

the chicks are only 8 weeks old.

i have two roos, three game hens, and now 8 eight week old pullets. i started letting the 8 week olds free range yesterday, under my supervision. the roos did not seem too interested in them, but didn't ignore them totally either. what should I expect from the roos. One is 2 years old and the other is 7 months old. The bigger roo "captain" keeps the younger roo "rebel" away from the game hens as best he can, but what is going to happen when i let my girls out to free range full time during the day?

Oh and will someone please tell me what my big roo Captain is. the young one a mix of him and one of the games.

a picture of my foundation flock....

 

[gumpsgirl]

I wouldn't leave them alone together myself. Roosters can't tell the difference in age. A hen is a hen is a hen to them.

I'd especially worry about the 2 year old trying to mount them and hurt them. He's a bit big for them. I just wouldn't do it.

 

[herefordlovinglady]

thanks gump.. appreciate the quick reply.

 

[ChickGirl6]

Your roo looks to me to be a barred rock.

 

[gumpsgirl]

You are welcome.

I'm sure you will receive different responses than my own, I'm just saying I wouldn't trust that the roosters would leave them alone. After all, they have those built in roosterly instincts.

 

[herefordlovinglady]

Quote:
that what i was thinking. that our dominecker (sp)

 

[alabamachick]

I was thinking your Roo looked to be a Dominique?

No idea about letting him out the younger girls though, I would just keep a close eye on them.

 

[Mervin]

Quote:
Yeah I'll second the Dominique vote. His comb looks to be more rosey than straight.

 

[Break an Egg]

From my experience, a non laying pullet will run away and not let a roo mate. The older ones squat down willingly, so the roo will mate with them if given the choice.

 

[gumpsgirl]

Quote:
This is true if the roo is a gentleman. I've had both types in my flock at one point or another. There are some roos that just won't take no for an answer, thus my reason for not trusting them.