dealing with young rooster and older hens

[Cris Gray]

I have 8 chickens.
3 hens are nearly 5 yrs old, 4 are four years old and then a rooster who is a year old. I raised the hens but the rooster I found as a half grown chicken on a golf course. Thought he was a hen at first, non descript with no comb and white speckled. I had to introduce him slowly and he got picked on at first so I would defend him and then he grew into a big rooster. At first it was fine but lately he picks on the older hens. I am now only getting 2 eggs a day and they are mostly avoiding him. So I have let him out in the morning and closed the enclosure and kept them in 1/2 a day. He stayed at the coop all the time and when it rained he lay there and got soaked. I opened the door and gradually he went back in and was subdued. But next morning same brat. I let him out and 2 hens who were wanting to go. fed chcikens inside and chickens outside - towards afternoon let the others out and he went after them - next day same thing - but better. Now 3 in four out - they have a run . Not sure if this is working. Been theorizing that we need a chcken village with a retirement home for the older hens ? is this reasonable?

 

[igorsMistress]

Hi. The older gals might not like him for whatever reason. You can try separating him from the rest of the flock for a few days to a week. Or a separate area for the older girls if you think it's necessary.