I am going to put in a seperate coop for my brrody hens, with a yard and all that, BUT I now have two roosters and they tried to kill eachother last night, so I am considering putting in the rooster with the broody hens. What do you think? Will the rooster hurt the chicks? Thanks!!!

-- Doreen (animalwaitress@yahoo.com), May 04, 2001

Answers

Hi Doreen, My hens won't let anything near their chicks, not even me,so I wouldn't worry about the roosters. They (the roosters)seem to be protective of the hens and their chicks. Just my own experience,may be different for others. Daryll

-- Daryll (twincrk@hotmail.com), May 04, 2001.

Roosters should always be kept with the hens... Daryll is quite right. They will protect both hens and chicks.... UNTIL the young roosters begin to mature enough to challenge him. Two roosters kept together - whether intentional or not - can make you some good money from your neighbors... (cock fights...)

-- Sue Diederich (willow666@rocketmail.com), May 04, 2001.

Sorry to hear about the rooster fight. I would put one in with the broodies. I was surprised to notice with mine that the roosters would "father" the chicks longer than the hens would mother them. They would sometimes actually cluck to and babysit the chicks after mom went back to laying eggs.

-- mary, texas (marylgarcia@aol.com), May 04, 2001.

Thanks all. That's really great news! The fight was expected....but Mary, that big ole rooster you gave was certainly winning. My handsome bloke was NOT going to quit, tho'. I had to pick him up and do a bit of washing, but he is just dandy. It is wonderful to know I can put one in there with those hens, it will certainly make life on this strech of the hiway more pleasant!

-- Doreen (bisquit@here.com), May 05, 2001.

He was number two rooster around here for a long time, never had any trouble with him, but I guess anytime they get changed around, they have to reestablish themselves!

-- mary, texas (marylgarcia@aol.com), May 05, 2001.

I don't think it would be a good idea to put a rooster with the brodry hens because some hens will let you get close to the or there young and won't do anything and some will. but most roosters that i've try to put with a hen with chicks tried to kill the chicks Just my opinion though.

-- bito salazar (blasita3@aol.com), June 09, 2004.