Do hens stick with a certain rooster??

[Rachaels Zoo]

Hello!
This is more of a curiosity question!!

I have 7 Rhode Island’s who were raised together since hatched! I’ve noticed when they go into the coop at night certain hens stick with one or the other roosters..I have 2 roos...when they are out and about they are all together all the time only at night in their coop...just curious if this is a thing or if they’re just particular about which bed they like better!

 

[sourland]

Chickens are creatures of habit and generally follow the same sleeping/roosting routine. Hens also have favorite roosters that they prefer to be with.

 

[Sonya9]

The birds typically sleep in the same spot night after night. Often it is related to the pecking order. As far as "favorite roosters" it does seem some hens prefer some roosters but technically they will allow any rooster to breed them.

Though I recently learned a fun fact -- hens can eject the sperm if they do not want a particular rooster's offspring. When they do eject sperm it is often because the rooster is too low in the pecking order for their taste.

 

[Gallinarium]

Roosters gather and guard their "harem", their choice group of hens. How much option the hen has depends on their position in the pecking order.