How to introduce new hens to a lone rooster???

[CaseyLeah 87]

I hope I'm putting this in the right thread. Its been a sad week for me. We live in southern Oklahoma and have been in a terrible heatwave (113 just yesterday). I had a flock of 4 hens and one rooster. My husband had been taking care of them until it gets cooler outside because I am 4 months pregnant and my body can't stand the heat right now. Long story short, he filled up their 5 gallon waterer, but forgot to pull the plug so that the chickens could access the water, so my 4 hens died

I'm very upset and he feels terrible about what happened. I guess my question is, my husband keeps telling me he'll get me more hens, but I don't know anything about introducing new hens to a lone rooster who just lost ALL of his hens. Would pullets about 4 months old be too young to introduce to a 2 year old rooster? Would it be best to bring new hens in as soon as possible or wait a while to bring some in? I'm just really upset because the 4 hens and rooster were all raised together since they were 4 weeks old.

 

[Hummingbird Hollow]

I am so sorry to hear about what happened with your hens. You must both feel terrible, you because you lost your hens and your husband because he messed up. I don't have any words of wisdom regarding when to replace your hens an how old the incoming hens need to be. However, remember that regardless of the age of the incoming chickens, you need to keep them separate from your rooster so that if they are carrying any illnesses or parasite, you won't let them spread to the rooster.

Also, your marriage is more important than the hens, regardless of how sad and angry you may be at your husband, sh*t happens. Sometimes bad sh*t and you need to be able to forgive rather than hold a grudge. Hope your pregnancy goes smoothly, the weather gets cooler and you find a new flock for your rooster. Also that someone with more experience with chickens can give you the advice you asked for.

 

[NovaAman]

Sorry for your losses, congrats on your upcoming addition!

x2 on the quarantine... normally. If you are going to bring in pullets, or young laying hens, and they all come from the same location, you could give them all a round of antibiotics, and put them together after a few days. Normally, I would not suggest such a thing, but, please do not take this the wrong way, or as heartless, you only have one chicken to worry about losing anyway... A round of tetracycline should keep everyone healthy, even if you can't eat the eggs for 2 weeks. Also, I'd suggest getting another water-er. I have several, so I never have to worry on one running dry. Its a pain in the butt some days, but, its worth the hassle in the end. That and I have 35 chickens, not a great number, indeed, but enough... for now. LOL.

Keep yourself cool and hydrated. Congrats again on the upcoming baby.

 

[CaseyLeah 87]

Thank you guys! I am upset with my husband, but I will forgive him. I just need to be upset for a little bit. I just found my poor hens last night so this is still fresh. Thank you for you're advice, its very much appreciated. I feel now like I just need to suck it up with this heat and take control back over my coop so if anything were to happen it would be on me.