Chicken behavior learning curve

[Joken]

Our chickens are now 14 weeks old. There are 13 of them and two are crowing. We have three black Orpingtons that I can't tell apart and one of them crows. I have found him a new home so I got up early and went out to catch him when he crows so his new owner could come and get him. Do you think he would crow this morning, heck no? The Rooster we are keeping is beautiful. He seems rough on some of the girls, but this behavior appears to be normal as much as we don't like it. One of the hens is quite small and all the chickens pick on her. We fenced off part of the run for her and put her in there during the day and back in the coop to roost. This morning I picked her up and she didn't like it much. I try to hold her for a bit and get her to realize that I'm her friend. Anyway,, while I'm holding her the Rooster came running and stood at my feet looking up at us. My wife said that he was a good Rooster and came to protect her. That seemed reasonable so I put her down and he grabbed her by the neck and tried to mount her. We aren't sure what to do about the little Hen. She wants to be with the others but they are mean to her and keep her from eating. When she is in her own enclosure she paces a lot and wants back with the flock. She is very timid and doesn't defend herself. Should we continue what we are doing until they are a little more mature or leave her with the others and see how it plays out? Thanks, Ken

 

[Wezdin]

I would let her in with the other hens unless it gets bloody, then separate for sure. I would give them a second feeder so that they cant crowd her out. When chickens hit the "puberty" stage they will fight around for a bit till they work out the order. Hope this helps!

 

[Folly's place]

Have at least two feeders and waterers in separate areas, preferably out of sight of each other. places for birds to be out of sight too, and lots of space. Try having your timid pullet in her own space within the coop area, with another sweet pullet, so they can bond. Do you have a bully out there? Two bullies? If it's about a bullying situation, separate her into a separate area away from the flock for a week or so, and see if things calm down.
To ID all those little black birds, consider zip ties, different colors and legs, so you know who's who. This will take VERY CAREFUL supervision, as the chicks are growing, and zip ties are dangerous if too tight. They might help, even for a week, if it's about finding bullies.
Then, remove them to prevent disasters.
Wishing for peace doesn't work, sometimes individuals need to leave, and working for peace in the flock is always best.
Mary

 

[Joken]

Have at least two feeders and waterers in separate areas, preferably out of sight of each other. places for birds to be out of sight too, and lots of space. Try having your timid pullet in her own space within the coop area, with another sweet pullet, so they can bond. Do you have a bully out there? Two bullies? If it's about a bullying situation, separate her into a separate area away from the flock for a week or so, and see if things calm down.
To ID all those little black birds, consider zip ties, different colors and legs, so you know who's who. This will take VERY CAREFUL supervision, as the chicks are growing, and zip ties are dangerous if too tight. They might help, even for a week, if it's about finding bullies.
Then, remove them to prevent disasters.
Wishing for peace doesn't work, sometimes individuals need to leave, and working for peace in the flock is always best.
Mary

I caught the black Rooster crowing the next day and he has been re-homed. Of our 13 un-sexed chicks so far two are roosters.