[dawninspain]

Tomorrow we are taking 3 hens and a cockerel from a friend and adding them to our existing flock of 14 hens.

Normally when we have added hens we have kept them alongside but separate for a few days (although all in together at night) but as there is a cockerel who is coming with his own hens can we just put them straight away as the cockerel with sort everyone out or should we do the usual.

Thanks

[muntjac]

dont allow any of em in the main flock till they have become friends through the wire . the cockerel will go stamping as many of the hens as he can and more than likly get frustrated and spur some .if he dont fall over n die with a smile on his mush

[richyrich7]

.if he dont fall over n die with a smile on his mush

     Lucky boy  

[WG.]

if he dont fall over n die with a smile on his mush

But what a way to go !

[richyrich7]

if he dont fall over n die with a smile on his mush

But what a way to go !

  Of course you do realise we gonna be in trouble again ! don't you

[dawninspain]

Thank goodness I asked the question - time for a talk about the birds and the bees with our girls. Maybe the 3 hens already in his harem will give hints and tips through the wire as they are experienced old birds!

While they are getting to know each other should we not put the cockerel in with them at night?

[Aunt Sally]

if he dont fall over n die with a smile on his mush

But what a way to go !

  Of course you do realise we gonna be in trouble again ! don't you

 :roll: Aunty is being generous tonight - cockerels will be cockerels  

[alan42]

i personaly DO NOT add any new birds to my main flock untill they have had a couple of weeks quarantine well away from my main flock i dont care where they have come from at least two weeks on there own to check for illnes and mites before they are even taken to the lotie.
alan