Crazy and/or mean Roo

[Lisa08]

First time chicken owner .. 1 Rooster, Buff Orpington about 15 weeks old, and 5 hens about the the same age. Is it normal for a Rooster to prance around YOU? Lol! He's the first one out of the coop in the morning and he will seriously start prancing around me. He's not aggressive with me but he is to the hens ... They spend the first 15 minutes out of the coop running from him ... If he gets a hold of one of them he will grab their necks or wings or whatever feathers and wont let go and they scream something fierce I know mating can look pretty rough but this just seems like he is being a jerk? Is there a way of making your Roo less aggressive towards his ladies? Also, he was already agressive before, but recently I have not been able to let them out of the run due to foxes in the area ... Ugh! So Im not sure if thats making him more aggressive being stuck in the run? He cock a doodle doos all day long ... For attention I suppose? If you have any ideas for me Id love to hear your thoughts! Thanks!

 

[centrarchid]

Pen him separately until he is 24 to 28 weeks old to allow normal maturation. He is currently able to exhibit adult behaviors when pullets not ready to accommodate him. His relationship with you is on a bad trajectory. So many details could be addressed, but no time.

 

[The Happster]

Is it normal for a Rooster to prance around YOU

It doesn't happen in every case, but yes, it happens. It isn't aggressive, in most cases, and I never have a problem with it.
It might be you don't want him to take that liberty. But I personally think it is a sweet thing that he is counting you as part of his flock.
Chasing the girls is another thing, and I agree separating could do the trick.
They can do quite a bit of damage.

 

[Lisa08]

Pen him separately until he is 24 to 28 weeks old to allow normal maturation. He is currently able to exhibit adult behaviors when pullets not ready to accommodate him. His relationship with you is on a bad trajectory. So many details could be addressed, but no time.

Thats super hard ... I only have one run .. One coop??

 

[centrarchid]

Thats super hard ... I only have one run .. One coop??

Build another, get rid of him, or deal with him being a real pain when he is much more physically capable and motivated. I build the little pens that are 4' x 5' x 4'. It can improve everyone's quality of life.

 

[Mrs Howey]

Do you have an area in a garage to keep him or any large dog cages? It's always a good idea to have a cage ready to take a chicken. Be it for quarantine, medical emergency, or just temporary separation from the flock. I also recommend getting some chicken aprons for your ladies. They help with feather picking if that ever becomes an issue and they put a barrier between the hens back and the roosters claws.

 

[aart]

It's always a good idea to have a cage ready to take a chicken.

Ditto Dat!
I have 4 of these:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...rates-a-good-tool-for-every-chickeneer.72619/

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Ditto Dat!
I have 4 of these:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...rates-a-good-tool-for-every-chickeneer.72619/

Are you running a jailhouse @aart

 

[centrarchid]

Pens as shown used to hold single roosters. They must be tied down tight or make so covers blow off in stiff wind. I do latter most of the time. The pen can be moved around a lot to allow grass to rest.

Latter two images with hen and rooster using setup meeting specifications laid out by my kids.

 

[aart]

Are you running a jailhouse @aart

If necessary, yes!
One is designated broody crate, it just fits under/between poop board brackets.
One is designated hospital crate, has two doors for easier access/handling.
I use all 4 the night before slaughter, and have used all 4 during chicken sales.
Also have 2 large dog crates from life before chickens that I have used with the birds.