Advice needed: Solo Roo

[Tintedwinged]

Hi everyone! Back in early December, I rescued a late bloomer chick from a farm that didn't want it, presumably an Olive Egger but a mix of sorts (see a video of its fam members at the farm attached). It was born later than its siblings so it was by itself and was picking at some of the quail chicks and the farm didn't want to deal with it. I am a completely new chicken owner and didn't have time to think of anything but am slowly figured everything out.

There's one thing that's been worrying me and the fact that he (we're 99.9% certain it's a Roo, about 3 months) is on his own. I know that chickens are social creatures and need at least 3 to be completely happy. Since we live in a pretty remote area and it's the winter, I ordered some hatching eggs due to arrive within the next week or so. But with how long it takes them to hatch and then to get a bit bigger it'll be a few months till they can all happily hang out on their own outside. As of now, we've been slowly introducing the cockerel to its small outdoor coop and run but he's been mostly hanging out with us inside and sleeping in a cat crate at night that I padded with hay.

Thoughts about 1. having a solo 3-month roo indoors (!!) and then introducing it to winter New England weather, and then if he needs a non-human companion and how to introduce it to him.

We love this little guy and he's been great with us, following me around like a pup and hopping up onto my shoulder or head (!) when I'm working or watching tv. He started to go through his teenager puberty phase and is cute fiesty in the morning and at dusk but then in the evening gets sleepy tired and snuggles up and would snooze on your arms. He also loves to hop on me and preen when I nap on the couch or just generally be real close and I love it but want to make sure he isn't deprived or depressed or is mistreated in any way.

This is the our little one:

These are his family members that were born just before him:

 

[Aapomp831]

The first bird is a pullet, I’m almost certain... the last pic is a rooster.
If you’re keeping it company, it should be just fine before it’s playmates are hatched.

@Overo Mare

 

[Tintedwinged]

The first bird is a pullet, I’m almost certain... the last pic is a rooster.
If you’re keeping it company, it should be just fine before it’s playmates are hatched.

@Overo Mare

Thank you! I had a whole thread where I was trying to figure out if it were a roo or a cockerel, but it crows! (Though I know young solo hens do that too) I think since its comb and wattle are bright red and fully grown at this age everyone confirmed it's roo-ness (it doesn't matter to us and I guess we'll find out sooner or later) but its fun to guess before hand

 

[Aapomp831]

Thank you! I had a whole thread where I was trying to figure out if it were a roo or a cockerel, but it crows! (Though I know young solo hens do that too) I think since its comb and wattle are bright red and fully grown at this age everyone confirmed it's roo-ness (it doesn't matter to us and I guess we'll find out sooner or later) but its fun to guess before hand

I could be wrong... just looks very pullet like and I don’t see any pointed hackle or saddle feathers?

 

[Mrs. K]

I too think it is a pullet. I am confused where is the other group of birds?

Waiting for the chicks will be a long time. I would not like a bird in the house, to each his own, so I would get a bird near her size and age, and let them be outside. I think it is healthier for chickens to be outside in the sunlight and fresh air. But a lot of people keep a pet like you.

The old bird will not like the chicks, it will take a bit for them all to be a flock.

Mrs K