Young roosters in existing flock?

[Cranky Steve]

I raised 6 baby chicks and it seems as if at least 4 of them are roosters (based on crowing!). Can I put them in with my existing flock of 10 hens and 1 bantam rooster? I'd like to keep one new rooster but don't know how the others will go short term all in with the existing flock. I also don't to upset the bantam rooster as he has been a good boy for 4-5 years.

 

[MROO]

I raised 6 baby chicks and it seems as if at least 4 of them are roosters (based on crowing!). Can I put them in with my existing flock of 10 hens and 1 bantam rooster? I'd like to keep one new rooster but don't know how the others will go short term all in with the existing flock. I also don't to upset the bantam rooster as he has been a good boy for 4-5 years.

How old are your youngsters and what breeds? If you post some good head and full-body side shots, you'll likely get some good replies on gender. If you have a place to do it, try keeping your young fellas near your main coop/run so they can all see each other but not actually mingle. It will make integrating a lot easier. I keep a bachelor flock periodically, and it's by far my favorite!

 

[Farmgirl283420]

I’ve put young cockerels in with my hens and rooster. My rooster is really great with younger chickens but he started chasing one of the cockerels around when he got older.

 

[Cranky Steve]

How old are your youngsters and what breeds? If you post some good head and full-body side shots, you'll likely get some good replies on gender. If you have a place to do it, try keeping your young fellas near your main coop/run so they can all see each other but not actually mingle. It will make integrating a lot easier. I keep a bachelor flock periodically, and it's by far my favorite!

Thanks - pretty sure 1, 2 and 4 are roosters. Not sure of breeds of any of them!

 

[Buckeye Amy]

Did you get yours from Meyer Hatchery? I've got a blacked crested cockerel like your #2.

I let my juveniles free range with the adults. Everyone gets plenty of time to spend near each other without being penned together. The two groups mingle and visit each other's coops. Everyone sleeps in their appropriate coop at night. It works really well with letting them get to know each other without forcing the issue.

I've got 4 three month old cockerels, one 6 month old and one 4 year old rooster. The youngsters know to stay out of the way of the big boys. You'll have to decide who you're keeping. I find that watching them interact is a good way to figure that out.

 

[mcdze]

pick the one youre keeping, id cull the rest ..drop them off at walmart if you cant stomach it

 

[HollowOfWisps]

At that age they are coming into their raging hormones. Putting 4 cockerels in with another older rooster and only 12 hens/pullets is asking for trouble. They will most likely go after your older rooster first and try to uproot him from being at the top resulting in cock fights. They will also tear apart your hens backs and leave them bald. One sure, but not all four.