Chicken love triangle

[Rick589]

I’ve inadvertently entered a 3 way with one of my hens and one of the rooster. She comes to me for petting and holding( and treats of course) and he come running after her once I put her down.

 

[wrathsfarm]

I’ve inadvertently entered a 3 way with one of my hens and one of the rooster. She comes to me for petting and holding( and treats of course) and he come running after her once I put her down.

How old are they? If they're young, your boy could still be in possessive mode wanting her attention and your being seen as competition.

 

[21hens-incharge]

To maintain peace for my hens (and myself) I deliberately do NOT pick up or hand feed a hen unless medically necessary.

My rooster is super calm and does not react badly to me walking through the flock or tending anything I need to.
I knew 1000% that was the right choice when I picked up a chick to clean its bottom (not hatched here, purchased less than an hour prior).
That chick set to loud peeping and that 9 month old cockerel EXPLODED into the coop hackles raised, wings spread and ready for action. Yup he was going to save that baby. As soon as he saw it was me he straightened his feathers and headed back out.

He is now 18 months old and has never once abused a hen or shown any hint of human aggression.

I am the bringer of food, opener of door, cleaner of poop so we get along well.
Hubs or my son coming to the chicken yard are greeted by him escorting the hens away from the stranger. Never a raised hackle or side eye given.

 

[Rick589]

How old are they? If they're young, your boy could still be in possessive mode wanting her attention and your being seen as competition.

They’re young, 7 months. He’s the one in the picture. Actually funny to watch him react.

 

[Rick589]

They’re young, 7 months. He’s the one in the picture. Actually funny to watch him react.

Hasn’t been aggressive to me, just immediately runs after her.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Sounds like he is punishing her for "cheating".

 

[wrathsfarm]

They’re young, 7 months. He’s the one in the picture. Actually funny to watch him react.

Don't see pic.

Hasn’t been aggressive to me, just immediately runs after her.

He's punishing her. Especially if she shakes off after you set her down, (sign of being mated)
He hasn't realized your not a threat yet and he's vying to be flock leader at this stage.

As @21hens-incharge I also tread lightly around cockerels with their girls until they've matured. I can pick up any of both my 3 yr old roosters ladies, but when I do I take them out of the roosters sight for checkups or medical and then bring them back and set them down in their view. But if they fuss and he hears, he'll come running.
I let them learn their role as flock leader and at the same time....mutual respect.

 

[Rick589]

Don't see pic.

He's punishing her. Especially if she shakes off after you set her down, (sign of being mated)
He hasn't realized your not a threat yet and he's vying to be flock leader at this stage.

As @21hens-incharge I also tread lightly around cockerels with their girls until they've matured. I can pick up any of both my 3 yr old roosters ladies, but when I do I take them out of the roosters sight for checkups or medical and then bring them back and set them down in their view. But if they fuss and he hears, he'll come running.
I let them learn their role as flock leader and at the same time....mutual respect.

My avatar

 

[wrathsfarm]

My avatar

Good looking boy, what breed is he?

 

[Rick589]

Don't see pic.

He's punishing her. Especially if she shakes off after you set her down, (sign of being mated)
He hasn't realized your not a threat yet and he's vying to be flock leader at this stage.

As @21hens-incharge I also tread lightly around cockerels with their girls until they've matured. I can pick up any of both my 3 yr old roosters ladies, but when I do I take them out of the roosters sight for checkups or medical and then bring them back and set them down in their view. But if they fuss and he hears, he'll come running.
I let them learn their role as flock leader and at the same time....mutual respect.

She doesn’t shake when I put her down. Just stands there for another pet or two than walks off.