kimberdougl5
Songster
I have 3 hens (15mos old) with a DEFINITE pecking order. I'm introducing 3 new chicks(12 wks old). I've increased my coop size with ways to divide to allow for see/don't touch. I can block off 3 different areas to allow for both groups to move without contact.
One of my new chicks turns out to be a JERK of a Cockerel. He won't allow his pullets off the roof of their shelter, so I've put food and water up there for them if I'm not there to "manage"... I've tried putting him in with the hens to "teach him his size" and they TEAR HIM UP. I now shoo him out of all areas in the morning and let him forage in the yard so that his Sistas catch a break, and he doesn't get his tail tore up.
I've added roosting bars in the hens area and have put the Littles on that roost at night...the hens run them out.
All of this has been going on for a month. It seems WORSE not better. My hens are stressed and off their laying, and with only 3 hens, that's a BIG deal.
So...any ideas? Trust me, I've scoured hundreds of posts on this site, and I've tried pretty much every suggestion. Would sending this Cockerel down the road help? I won't keep him in the long run anyways since he's not gonna EVER give me what I want...EGGS!!!
One of my new chicks turns out to be a JERK of a Cockerel. He won't allow his pullets off the roof of their shelter, so I've put food and water up there for them if I'm not there to "manage"... I've tried putting him in with the hens to "teach him his size" and they TEAR HIM UP. I now shoo him out of all areas in the morning and let him forage in the yard so that his Sistas catch a break, and he doesn't get his tail tore up.
I've added roosting bars in the hens area and have put the Littles on that roost at night...the hens run them out.
All of this has been going on for a month. It seems WORSE not better. My hens are stressed and off their laying, and with only 3 hens, that's a BIG deal.
So...any ideas? Trust me, I've scoured hundreds of posts on this site, and I've tried pretty much every suggestion. Would sending this Cockerel down the road help? I won't keep him in the long run anyways since he's not gonna EVER give me what I want...EGGS!!!