Cockerel bullying hen

[Gabrielle1313]

Currently I have two cockerels and two pullets(one of the cockerels i'll be getting rid of). But the cockerels both are picking on my Rhode Island Red pullet. She is the smallest in the group and I've seen one of them grab hold of her back with its beak. It freaks me out because she will squawk loudly and try to run away from them. Both of the cockerels will not do this to my other pullet though. I'm scared that they might badly hurt my Rhode Island Red hen. What should I do? And is this normal for them to do this to a hen?

 

[Ming Ming]

get her a hen saddle, this protects hers and look ridiculously cute at the same time. And its completely normal roo behavior

 

[Ming Ming]

and she is probably there favorite to mate to, if its her back feathers that are being picked. they are just mating her

 

[Ming Ming]

she isin't submitting but she will eventually

 

[Pork Pie]

Personally, I'd separate the cockerels from the pullets, for the time being. Yes, Omega (low ranking birds) are mated more frequently than those females higher up the pecking order, but with only two females she is the focus of their attention. If you want to breed, then I'd strongly suggest getting at least another 6 females of laying age. Your current male:female ratio is not balanced.

 

[Ming Ming]

the regular ratio is 8 hens to one rooster. This could cause very big issues

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

How old are these birds? How much space are they living in?

 

[Gabrielle1313]

My birds are all a little under 4 months old. They are free range during the day but have a 16 sq. ft. coop with 3 laying boxes.

 

[aart]

The neck grab is not abnormal for even a mature cockbird.
Young cockerels(4mo) are notoriously aggressive and the pullets are old enough to mate.
Multiple males create an environment of competition that brings out the worst in all their behaviors.

I'd get rid of one or both males.
What are your goals for chickens?
You really don't need a male until you get more coop space to hatch out some chicks.