Happy Father’s Day

Happy Rooster’s Day 

In honor of father’s day I thought we could take a look at how to introduce a rooster to your flock. Right now we have just hens but I hope to one day add some boys to our flock. I am always nervous about predators and feel like a bigger, tougher rooster would be a great addition to our flock’s safety. I’ve also heard that having a rooster around can ease the atmosphere of the flock as they no longer have to be on the lookout all the time. Finally, there is the added bonus of new chicks! I would love to experience this whole process the natural way.

So how do I do it safely?
I have heard stories of aggressive roosters and of hens ganging up on a rooster pecking him aggressively. As much as I would like to add a rooster, I do not want to risk the safety of my hens or put a rooster into a hostile environment.

Choose the right Rooster
You want an older, more mature rooster. A younger rooster is an easy target to an established flock. Find a rooster with an easy going attitude that won’t be a threat to your hens but one that is older and can become a dominant member of the flock. Choose a friendlier breed that will be easy for you to handle and check the rooster for good health.
Before you bring the Rooster home, ask to visit him with is current flock and make sure he is: 
 - Older or similar in age to your flock
-  An easy going rooster that respects his hens
-  Comfortable with people and allows you to hold him
-  Is in good health

Keep your Flock Safe – Quarantine
 Advice on how long to quarantine varies. In my opinion, the longer quarantine the better. I would recommend at least two weeks to assess any new additions to your flock. Keep them in an isolated area where your flock is not able to get to. Even if the new addition looks healthy, it could be carrying something your flock isn’t used to. While they are in quarantine watch them closely for signs of illness or parasites. Many flock raisers recommend 30 days to give time for symptoms to show. This also gives them time to acclimate to the environment. It will be easier for them to take in their new home first and their new family later.

Neutral Territory with Distractions and Obstacles
A separate enclose with plenty of space should be used for short introductions. Provide distractions, such as chicken feed, to keep their attention while they share the same space. Use plenty of a special treat that will help take away the stress, enough of the treat that they don’t feel they have to fight over it. Give them obstacles so they can avoid unwanted attention if someone starts to pick on them. Let them socialize for short periods of time under supervision and remove the newcomer if anyone is too aggressive. There is a fine line between letting them figure it out and letting it go too far. Let the socialization periods become longer as everything goes well.
What is your plan if something goes wrong:
-have extra enclosure to separate chickens
-gloves to help you grab on to an aggressive chicken
-first aid kit to treat any wounds

Take the leap!
When everything looks well you have to take the leap and leave them alone for the night. Generally a mature older rooster will take dominance over a flock of hens smoothly. Aside from some pecking you shouldn’t have too much trouble. If you notice anyone getting picked on you have the extra encounters to separate them.

Please tell me your stories - what was it like when you brought your rooster home?