Cockerel flogging broody pullet

[Thechickenchick2]

I currently have a pullet setting eggs and she’s on day 17. I have noticed a few times that when she gets off the nesting box to eat/drink etc both of my cockerels will keep flogging her and she runs away. Is this typical behavior for this dynamic? I’m wondering if this is a sign of an issue for once the chicks come? I’m not sure if this is a sign that she may not be a very protective mama or that the cockerels will be the asses they’ve proven themselves to be and torture the chicks? Or maybe this is totally normal... she’s prettt bossy to all of the girls around her so that part has me confident she’ll be a protective and tentative mother but obviously I just won’t know until I know..


Thanks!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I don't think that behavior is very common. I would either put her in her own quarters or sequester the cockerels till they mature more.

 

[Trish1974]

I had this same thing happen back in the spring, however I wasn't wanting my hen to sit. When I'd boot her out of the coop she came out all fluffed up and p****d off, making her clucking noises, and my not-quite one year old rooster would attack her. I too was concerned and posted the problem here and a few members said he was taking her behavior as a threat, which made sense. Last month another one tried to go broody and he was fine with her ticked off behavior. His issue was just immaturity; hopefully yours is too.
Considering you will be having chicks I would separate the cockerels, though. If they aren't mature enough to understand her behavior they probably won't be mature enough to be kind to the chicks.

 

[Thechickenchick2]

I had this same thing happen back in the spring, however I wasn't wanting my hen to sit. When I'd boot her out of the coop she came out all fluffed up and p****d off, making her clucking noises, and my not-quite one year old rooster would attack her. I too was concerned and posted the problem here and a few members said he was taking her behavior as a threat, which made sense. Last month another one tried to go broody and he was fine with her ticked off behavior. His issue was just immaturity; hopefully yours is too.
Considering you will be having chicks I would separate the cockerels, though. If they aren't mature enough to understand her behavior they probably won't be mature enough to be kind to the chicks.

That’s very helpful! Your response was very informative and I’ll probably go along with your suggestion to remove my cockerels for a little while!

 

[Chickassan]

@Trish1974 is spot on! Young fellas and broody hens tend to clash. Actually broody hens will clash with dang near anything! It is the noise and posture, the boys don't get that she's broody they think she wants to rumble lol! Best thing for everyone is to seperate the boys because she is not going to be nice at all once those eggs hatch.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Good luck! And keep us posted about your hatch!!!!!