Cockerel Suddenly Aggressive with Hens

[DobieLover]

Caponize him! That's a good solution for most men too!

As long as you are providing good nutritious food, clean water and a warm, dry clean place to sleep and lay eggs, you're done! If he isn't hurting them, I would just let the flock work out their own social issues. They know what they are doing.

 

[HollyWoozle]

Thanks all for your responses, very comforting... well, except about men I will leave them to it provided he isn't hurting anybody.

 

[Shadrach]

Caponize him! That's a good solution for most men too!

As long as you are providing good nutritious food, clean water and a warm, dry clean place to sleep and lay eggs, you're done! If he isn't hurting them, I would just let the flock work out their own social issues. They know what they are doing.

Steady! pffttt.

 

[andreanar]

Steady! pffttt.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Does anybody have any experience with formerly good-natured cockerels becoming aggressive with the hens? Ours, Olaf, has always been pleasant with the hens (he has always been very active when it comes to performing his duty, but was never overly rough with them)….

Please remember that chickens are not thinking logical animals. Your cockerel only understanding is his natural instinct that tells him that his proper place for the protection of his harem is at the head of the flock. Therefor cockerels or young roosters must enter on a knights quest to dominate all other chickens in a flock. What you are seeing is the result of your young feathered knight's quest for his own golden grail.

 

[aart]

He is currently with 13 hens and quite a lot of space to range. They are fed in the morning with layers feed, again at lunchtime if they've eaten it all and need more and then we have given them a little mixed corn in the afternoons since it's become colder. They do also have some scraps and treats but minimal amounts and later in the day.

I think he's hungry.
They should have free feed at all times that they are awake, IMO.
They may need more protein this time of year to help grow feathers.
What is the protein percentage of they layer feed?

Corn will not keep them 'warmer'...and it may be is probably reducing their overall nutrition.
Any digestion will 'make heat'....it might as well be a good chicken ration with all the added vitamins/minerals/ amino acids they need to be at optimal health

 

[HollyWoozle]

Thanks for your thoughts. Their staple food is 16% protein but their diet is supplemented with extras as it goes, things like scrambled egg sometimes, leftover cat food, sunflower seeds and sometimes treats, although not much and not everyday (and only in the afternoons). I understand that corn shouldn't replace their main feed but had read various sources suggesting it is a good addition on cold days, fed later in the day. It is recommended by the British Hen Welfare Trust here in the UK (who I got the hens from) but perhaps I should reconsider this in light of what you have said.

The chickens range a good sized area so do also pick up worms and insects. We had taken to putting out food regularly rather than leaving it out as it seems to encourage rats, but perhaps we could make some feeding stations and take leftover food up over night.

ETA: I have tried to give more high protein additions at times when they are moulting/regrowing but maybe not enough!

 

[aart]

but perhaps I should reconsider this in light of what you have said.

Try it, they'll like it!!
(that may be strictly an Americanism, from an old tv commercial)

They really need access to good feed all day long, not like a dog or cat where you feed them once/twice a day. With a number of birds and one (or even two) feeder(s), they may take turns eating according to pecking order. They should especially have access to free feed of a good ration before going to roost, most bird will pack their crops before roosting. If they are molting and/or it's cold they may need more to eat to stay healthy. Adding some protein, especially animal protein, is good thing to do during molt.

 

[HollyWoozle]

I have no intention of doing anything rash with or to the cockerel, I just wanted to know if this was common behaviour or if something is wrong and I can solve it (for example this thread has made me realise that our feeding regime might be causing an issue). I like having Olaf and have always felt he knows what to do best, but several people have commented on his sudden change in behaviour towards the hens so I thought it best to ask opinions.

 

[Cryss]

Try it, they'll like it!!
(that may be strictly an Americanism, from an old tv commercial)

They really need access to good feed all day long, not like a dog or cat where you feed them once/twice a day. With a number of birds and one (or even two) feeder(s), they may take turns eating according to pecking order. They should especially have access to free feed of a good ration before going to roost, most bird will pack their crops before roosting. If they are molting and/or it's cold they may need more to eat to stay healthy. Adding some protein, especially animal protein, is good thing to do during molt.

Agreed, let them have feed all day. He my be trying to dominate the feed because he needs more and he is top dog...erm...chicken. add an extra feeder or 2 so he can hog one while the others can still get all the nutrition they need. Molting is stressful and the weather is changing. Don't restrict their feed.