Bullied Rooster

[Ilovesilkiechickens1]

I have a flock of 8 Silkies. Four hens and four roosters. One rooster, Dorf, was at the top of the pecking order, but he was hardly ever a bully. Recently, two other roosters, Fozzie and Aro, started to take over the top spot and now Dorf is getting bullied quite badly. He’s not badly injured, but I still feel so bad for him. The two bullies are sleeping separated from the rest of the flock tonight because they were rejecting Dorf from the hen house. That cannot be a permanent solution. Is there any other solution than rehoming? I’ve already had to do that and it broke my heart as I’m so very attached to my chickens and think of them as pets.

 

[sourland]

Separation or rehoming are the most valid solutions. The pecking order is frequently cruel, and those at the top fight to stay there.

 

[Mrs. K]

No, there really isn't another choice. You may stop it for a small amount of time, but it more than likely will come back, and generally worse each time. Roosters just do not get the memo - let's all be nice and live here.

 

[microchick]

If you want to keep the extra roosters you need a rooster pen. Otherwise they are going to fight until the bullied rooster is injured. Or worse.

 

[sourland]

also being deposed can cause a rooster to lose his will to live as long as his conquerors remain in the flock. Their presence can actually suppress testosterone production.

 

[microchick]

Really, Sour? Whow didn't know that. Just when you think you know roosters there is something new to learn.

My roosters seem to settle down after they are a couple of years old. Till then they are always testing one another, especially the young ones.

 

[Ilovesilkiechickens1]

If you want to keep the extra roosters you need a rooster pen. Otherwise they are going to fight until the bullied rooster is injured. Or worse.

Thank you very much. I’ll be finding a new home. Do you thing both need to be rehomed, because only one and the other one just piggy backs.

 

[microchick]

In a small flock, if you can and feel so inclined I always say keep a spare rooster if you can incase something happens to the flock master.

In my flock I have a Egyptian Fayoumi as flock master rooster. he has lieutenants who help him look after the flock that are bantams. It's really cute to see them work together but I'm lucky in that my main flock roosters pretty much have their pecking order worked out and they stick to it. Not too many challenges going on.

I just finished processing an older rooster who had been blinded by fighting and turned mean. After being flogged once too many times he's now chilling in the refrigerator. This happened even though he was in a cage by himself.

I commend you wanting to rehome the birds. Fighting leads to injuries or death and it stresses the whole flock.

Do you think the rooster left behind will challenge the head rooster? Something to consider because he might. If you have 4 roosters, two are fighters, two aren't, I'd try to keep the two that weren't and see what happens.

 

[ButtonHoarder]

I think 4 roosters for 4 hens is too many

 

[ForTheLoveOfSilkies]

I agree with @ButtonHoarder , 2 roosters is too many for just 4 hens. Can you get more hens or just have 1 rooster? .. Also when your Silkie hens go broody you will have even less hens for your roosters.. and Silkies go broody often as your probably know