6 mo. old Cockerel getting beat up by 14 mo. old hens

[Debbienmousey]

Seeing as the cockerel is so much younger then the hens, I believe that's why the hens attack him.

We hatched out about 27 chicks last year, of course some are cockerels and some are pullets. The cockerels can and do mate the pullets, but sometimes afterward the pullet will chase and peck the cockerel, just for a little bit, to show him who's boss. Sometimes the pullet will not allow him to mate her, she'll just chase him. (Yet all the pullets fully respect the older roosters, which are all 2+ years old)

Unless you NEED fertilized eggs right now, I'd leave him in a separate pen until he's a bit older.

 

[Kev]

If there is enough room, just leave them together and eventually, yes eventually, the hens will slowly stop beating him up and one day he will be the boss of flock. Or HE will get brave enough to stand his ground and not back down from a hen.. as long as he does not back down at all, he will 'win over her'..

Other option is to leave him by himself- this is a good thing, do not feel sorry. Let him grow more confident in his own 'territory'. Maybe couple weeks, then introduce ONE hen to HIM.. preferably the meekest hen or the one you think will fight the least.. hopefully by then he will be much more confident to stand and hold his ground against the hen. If he wins, that will really boost his confidence and leave the hen with him for a day- let him go through all the roosterly behaviors with her. Take back the hen.. then put another hen with him and repeat the process.. if you let the chickens free range, let him and all the hens out after this process then let him back in the coop with the hens.

If he still gets beaten up just isolate him again for another week and try again.

 

[azelgin]

I"ve got 6 month old SLW roo that ambushes one of the older girls now and then. And then gets the crap kicked out of him afterwards.They free range together and I laugh at poor Forrest Gump when it happens. He spend s the night in a different coop, so they don't gang up on him after hours. Run Forrest! run!!!. . . .