Brahma Rooster attacking the hens

[lisette30]

Good afternoon--I just have a quick question. I have a new Brahma rooster that is now 10 months old. He is my first rooster. He became sexually active around the end of November and since then has just been VERY aggressive with the 5 hens. The last few weeks have been awful and I have two hens that are bloody in their neck and back area from his almost constant mounting whenever he sees them. They have taken to hiding from him and I have been locking him up in the smaller coop during the late afternoon, so the girls can roam the yard in peace. The chickens have another very large coop and a half acre to walk, so, space isn't an issue. I also feed them chicken "mash" which is a mixture of their feed, oats, and kitchen/garden waste. I would like to know if this is going to get better as the heat comes on and if I am doing things correctly. Additionally, what is the best care for the hen's wounds ? I have left them alone thus far, but fear them to fester. Thank-you in advance for your help.

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

Sometimes roo's have to do this to establish dominance... But if they're bleeding... You may have to cull. Even though it's sad, your job is to protect your flock.

 

[Eggcessive]

Young cockerels may be very aggressive at first, and especially in Spring when hormones are raging, and if I were you I would separate him right away. You could try reintroducing him when he is a little older to see if he settles down. I would consider that is he is safe to be around your family and kids. But since he is hurting and damaging the hens, that is usually frowned upon. Many people would rehome him or cull him. For now he needs to be separated. Any wounds can be cleaned with chlorhexidene or Vetericyn and plain Neosporin or Triple Antibiotic Ointment applied if serious. Watch to see that the hens do not peck each other’s wounds.

 

[OzarkChooks]

I have been keeping my cockerels in a separate pen for the girls safety. They were being really rough and injuring the hens. I would separate him from your hens until he calms down.