Can cockerel injure pullet? chasing and mounting 16 wks olds

[elite8]

I have two cockerels and 6 pullets. Two of the pullets are 16 wks old and the rest 18. I have recently noticed one of the cockerels chasing some of the pullets. He grabs them on the back of their neck and it looks like he is trying to mount them. He did mature fast and was crowing at 8 wks. Can he injure the pullets if they are not fully grown? Thanks for the info

 

[NonnasBabies]

I can't wait to hear this answer because my 15 week old has already started mounted the little girles! Their between 15 - 19 weeks old!!

Missi

 

[Chickenmaven]

Naaaa!

The margarine commercial said, "Don't mess with Mother Nature." (I am totally dating myself, here.) Seriously, Nature programs them & it works out. Don't overthink this chickentending thing or attribute upper-middle class Montesori standards of behavior to these raptors. IMHO - They do what they do. Intervene to save a life, otherwise stay out of the fray,

Good Luck!

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Amen.

ETA: When the pullets get a little bit older they'll learn how to get mated without ever letting go of the tasty treat they have their beaks; like mine do.

 

[pgpoultry]

My testosterone-riddled Red Pyle Brahma pinned an 8 week old Dark Brahma pullet down yesterday. She was not amused.

I may have to limit his or their range if he continues to behave in this way!

Sandie

 

[woodmort]

If they're big enough, they're old enough. Give the pullets room so they aren't constantly harassed and they'll be fine. Just worry about your teenagers, let the chickens be chickens.

 

[pgpoultry]

Mine free range over 6 fields, but the Red Pyle Brahma roo does not object to 'cradle snatching'

Sandie

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
If the pullets have enough room to manuveur, they'll quickly learn to dodge the cockerels.

 

[elite8]

Thanks again for the help. I'll let them do what they do