- Sep 25, 2011
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So it has been a very long time since I have introduced a new crew with an established flock. I have currently a flock that is a pretty good bunch of birds, with a well established pecking order and a rooster who does his job very well and is good to the his ladies. I have currently in my brooder some chicks to add into the bunch, still yet a month away from a full introduction.
I’m noticing one of these new chicks is feathering out funny and developing quite a red, little set of wattles. I’m thrilled to death, as I’ve always wanted a Wyandotte roo. So if this turns out to indeed be a little cockerel, that would mean there would end up being two roosters and nine hens in my pen. I’ve delt with introducing hens in the past and know how brutle sweet little chickens can actually be, but it’s been a long time since I have roosters together, and then that was just young roosters, not to mention a seasoned veteran and a youngster.
So my questions...
If I keep the two roosters together, is the hen ratio ok?
Am I setting myself up for failure even thinking about adding another roo with an older stud?
Will the old flock stay together and the new birds come in as a separate flock for lack of better words? Or will an absolute total new pecking order develop?
At what point will an all out cock fight happen?
And, in this scenario, with an older rooster, what age would you introduce the New bunch?
Thanks
I’m noticing one of these new chicks is feathering out funny and developing quite a red, little set of wattles. I’m thrilled to death, as I’ve always wanted a Wyandotte roo. So if this turns out to indeed be a little cockerel, that would mean there would end up being two roosters and nine hens in my pen. I’ve delt with introducing hens in the past and know how brutle sweet little chickens can actually be, but it’s been a long time since I have roosters together, and then that was just young roosters, not to mention a seasoned veteran and a youngster.
So my questions...
If I keep the two roosters together, is the hen ratio ok?
Am I setting myself up for failure even thinking about adding another roo with an older stud?
Will the old flock stay together and the new birds come in as a separate flock for lack of better words? Or will an absolute total new pecking order develop?
At what point will an all out cock fight happen?
And, in this scenario, with an older rooster, what age would you introduce the New bunch?
Thanks