Cockerel query?

[Snadger]

I have been looking after a single hen and a cockerel for someone. The hen has went broody so I have managed to get some hopefully fertilized eggs off another plot holder and she is sitting on the.

Only her and a cockerel are in the run and she is in the coops nesting box. If she does hatch the chicks, will they be safe from the cockerel?

[Nicos]

My chicks run with the cockerals from day2/3. Before that they can see them through netting.
They go and have a close inspection to check out what's going on at first, but when they then run together the males have always been caring towards them, making funny little calling noises when they find something yummy to eat/ share.

It's always an anxious moment and a couple have had quick pecks if they are considered out of order.
But , hey, it's nature and the male should tolerate what it will consider is his offspring.

If you are concerned, just separate them on day 20 of brooding but so he can still see her and the chicks.

Personally I'd just go for it cos I separate mine really from the rest of the gals cos it's them who show more aggression to the chicks letting them know the pecking order!

[Scarlet]

I also think they will be ok. It's the girls in a flock that usually do the pecking.

[Guest]

There is no way of telling if he will be ok. If he is behaved and not bothering the hen whilst sitting I would just leave him if he was mine.

[Snadger]

He's not an aggressive cockerel so I will give him the benefit of the doubt!

[Nicos]

Exciting isn't it?
When are they due to hatch?

If he's as you say then I'm sure he'll be fine from the word go!

The first time my cockerels saw their very first chicks my heart was in my mouth.
They both stood stock still like dinosaurs eying up pray...then wandered off!
It's so sweet how they call them over for morsels of food just like the grown up hens.

You're in for a lovely few weeks watching them together!