Mating birds of different ages ~ OK or Not?

Poultryprincess · Post by **Poultryprincess** » Mon Mar 14, 2016 12:12 am

I have a young rooster about 9 months old.
He only has 2 young pullets to "engage in activity"

I also have 2 hens that are 4 years old.
One of the older hens is a bit ornery.
I put her with a young rooster before, & she beat him up.
He was never able to mate with her so I removed her.

QUESTIONS
~ Would it be OK to give him the 2 older hens?

~ Could the roo be in danger of catching something because the hens are much older?
~ Would it be better to buy him a few pullets instead?
THANX for any input!

kenya · Post by **kenya** » Mon Mar 14, 2016 12:52 am

The young roo should be fine with the older hen's, put them in with him not the other way around. He needs to be on his territory not there's so that they are a little unsure and don't try and boss him around. They may still try at first but it will work out.

Post by **WLLady** » Mon Mar 14, 2016 8:01 am

ditto what kenya said.....put the girls into HIS territory...not the other way around....
age really doesn't seem to matter at all as long as they're all mature enough to "do the proper thing"....lol. i won't put mature boys in with young young pullets that haven't laid eggs yet...somehow just not fair to them. but once they are laying etc, they should be fine.

Post by **Killerbunny** » Mon Mar 14, 2016 8:38 am

The only strife I ever see is when an older hen sees Lucky as "her" property and will chase the juniors away until she's had her turn! One hen would pull him off of other hens sometimes.

Poultryprincess · Post by **Poultryprincess** » Mon Mar 14, 2016 12:10 pm

I was more concerned with an older hen having dander or ? that might be harmful to a young roo.
I just remember reading about young birds with mature birds & possible health hazzards

Everyone is going to get dusted before being introduced.

Ontario Chick · Post by **Ontario Chick** » Mon Mar 14, 2016 12:29 pm

Agree with all the previous posts.:)
Older hens are the ones who survived any cooties going by either developing antibodies, or having enough built in resistance already, those are the birds you want to breed, I now use mainly 2-3 year old hens for breeding.
That said, some of the old dominant hens who have ruled the roost may not be willing to give up the top of pecking order to some Young Punk, so that has to be watched for.
I have used this introductory system for few years now, it takes about 3 days for the hens to fall in love and be ready and willing.