Adding new chickens to our flock

[MoonShadows]

I think JG's are close to a year old before they begin laying.

No, mine started laying at the same time as the other breeds.

 

[MoonShadows]

I have been letting the chickens free range for a little while each day. It's funny to watch. When I open the door to the field, mother hen and her two cronies are the first ones out followed by the 8 new ones. The new ones stick pretty close to the 3 older hens. A couple of times I've seen a couple of hawks. While the older chickens are aware of how dangerous the hawks are, the younger ones seem to be oblivious, and that worries me somewhat. So, I have decided to get a sentry for them, a rooster. I called the farm where we bought the new hens, and they have a few roosters available. We are going to take a ride up there today and pick one out. I told the owner I want the least aggressive one since I will be introducing him to an established flock, and from what I read, while everything should go well with the young hens, the older ones may give him some problems initially if they have to give up some of their status. Luckily, I have yet to take down the temporary coop, so I will put him in the back end of the run that has the temporary coop and is sectioned off from the front part of the run...and observe how the older gals interact with him at the fence. I have been reading on chicken forums about introducing new roosters. Some report no problems, some report minor problems, and some report knock down drag out brawls resulting in a lot of blood and torn combs, wattles, etc.

 

[MoonShadows]

Are those the ones with that wild hair style? Darn, should have asked you if you had any roosters you wanted to sell.

 

[waretrop]

Are those the ones with that wild hair style?

No they are not the ones with the wild hair styles. Below is a polish chicken. That's what you are talking about. This one is a baby.

Darn, should have asked you if you had any roosters you wanted to sell.

I don't have any normal roosters. I only hatch the odd chickens and therefore keep roosters for them.

 

[MoonShadows]

She looks like Barbara Streisand in Hello Dolly!

 

[MoonShadows]

That's what I am hoping for...no problems.

 

[lcertuche]

Thats funny. I have one pullet that is particular and would fight with my new boys. She didn't put up with their rowdy ways. No wham, bam, thank you ma'am for her. I think she wanted romanced. She's a little nicer now they learned some manners.
We just got 5 little New Hampshire red chicks yesterday. They are just starting to get their wing feathers. Cute little fuzzballs. They are suppose to be pullets but I guess time will tell.

 

[waretrop]

@MoonShadows ???? Want my little boy??? I can run him over right now....He may take care of himself quite well....

 

[MoonShadows]

Thats funny. I have one pullet that is particular and would fight with my new boys. She didn't put up with their rowdy ways. No wham, bam, thank you ma'am for her. I think she wanted romanced. She's a little nicer now they learned some manners.
We just got 5 little New Hampshire red chicks yesterday. They are just starting to get their wing feathers. Cute little fuzzballs. They are suppose to be pullets but I guess time will tell.

Maybe she wanted dinner and a movie first!

 

[waretrop]

Nice bird. Where did you go to get him? I really don't have any regular ones for you..but you can still have my "mop do".....for free....today.....LOL