The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Terry T on April 26, 2017, 11:31:50 am

Title: Introducing new hens to a flock with a cockerel
Post by: Terry T on April 26, 2017, 11:31:50 am

I'm picking up some new hens tomorrow. I've introduced new hens to a flock several times but not since we got our cockerel, is he likely to accept them or will he make the process more difficult?  I tend to pen new hens in view of the flock for a couple of weeks before letting them roam together. Any hints and tips greatly received.

Title: Re: Introducing new hens to a flock with a cockerel
Post by: Eve on April 26, 2017, 01:03:21 pm

Same as before, he'll just think himself a lucky chap  :)

Title: Re: Introducing new hens to a flock with a cockerel
Post by: Marches Farmer on April 26, 2017, 03:20:03 pm

He should keep order and stop any pecking.

Title: Re: Introducing new hens to a flock with a cockerel
Post by: Terry T on April 27, 2017, 05:25:29 pm

Thank you both, that's good news.

Title: Re: Introducing new hens to a flock with a cockerel
Post by: Dans on April 27, 2017, 09:38:52 pm

We find adding new hens with our cockerel really easy. Any troubles and he sorts everyone out. We pop the new girls into the house after everyone has gone to bed (doesn't have to be on the perch) and we just make sure we are up first thing in the morning to see everyone makes it out ok. They free range in the garden and so far we have 3 waves of immigration into our flock and no fights, which I've been putting down to the cockerel's policing.

Dans