8 week old pullets introduced to 2 4 month old roos. Roos attacking one pullet

[MomOfMany7]

We just introduced them 5 days ago. Things have been good. We slowly did it at first by having them near each other yet separated. They tolerate them most of the day yet mornings and evenings they get aggressive towards the pullets. I go in there to make sure the girls can eat during those times. Yet as of yesterday they started to gang up on one of them. I separate them and try again. Things will be fine for a little while and than all of a sudden they go after her again. She has been lethargic and we have been having to hand feed her water to make sure she is getting enough. Not sure if that’s why or if there is another reason. When the roos are separated they do not do this. It’s only when it’s the two of them. Im not even 100% sure she is even a pullet Any ideas of what’s going on and how we should address this so everyone is happy?

 

[azygous]

Roosters can be unpredictable around chicks. Most are indifferent, but if they get it into their little minds to do damage, it can end tragically.

I have two roosters, very well behaved boys, both, and five-week old chicks. The chicks do not have access to the entire run as long as the roosters are in. Only after the boys go out to free-range do I permit the chicks to run around the entire run. One peck on a tiny head from a rooster beak and you either have a dead chick or one with a very serious injury. Why take the chance?

 

[Folly's place]

Your four month old cockerels are not mature roosters, and so more likely to be a problem, not less. I'd have the babies in a safer place for now, at least a few months.
In a multigenerational flock, with plenty of feeders, waterers, and out of sight places, this isn't usually a big deal. With this little group, and no adults, it's a problem.
Mary

 

[TheOddOneOut]

Pics of the bird that it being ganged up on?

 

[MomOfMany7]

Pics of the bird that it being ganged up on?

 

[MomOfMany7]

View attachment 2310030View attachment 2310032View attachment 2310033

the brown spots is mud from them attacking her/him

 

[TheOddOneOut]

the brown spots is mud from them attacking her/him

Her. That’s a girl. Idk why they are doing it then.
My suggestion? Separate the roos until they get out of this crazed hormonal stage. And I say get rid of one. It is almost always better.

 

[MomOfMany7]

Her. That’s a girl. Idk why they are doing it then.
My suggestion? Separate the roos until they get out of this crazed hormonal stage. And I say get rid of one. It is almost always better.

The husband is thinking of getting rid of one. My concern is free ranging. We have 17 pullets and I was told 2 would be best with that many while free ranging. Today I let the boys free range. I’m going to do this for a good while. Why we let the girls out for the first time to try and free range one of the boys was great with them. He kept trying to get them book in the run or he wouldn’t let them go far. The other one was all over the place and wasn’t sure what to do lol

Y’all all have helped me figure this out and do what’s best for everyone. I really want to keep them both but we may have to get rid of one.

 

[TheOddOneOut]

The husband is thinking of getting rid of one. My concern is free ranging. We have 17 pullets and I was told 2 would be best with that many while free ranging. Today I let the boys free range. I’m going to do this for a good while. Why we let the girls out for the first time to try and free range one of the boys was great with them. He kept trying to get them book in the run or he wouldn’t let them go far. The other one was all over the place and wasn’t sure what to do lol

Y’all all have helped me figure this out and do what’s best for everyone. I really want to keep them both but we may have to get rid of one.

Well, what are their breeds? The roos.

 

[MomOfMany7]

Well, what are their breeds? The roos.

Black copper Marans