Dominance problem?

[MischickenNY]

Hey all, so my hens have not started laying yet and I chocked it up to stress from too many roosters and killed off two roosters (humanely). Well Ive noticed lately that my silkie rooster, who is also most defensive with predators, will literally get on top of the hens and pretty much peck at them while holding them down. Is this normal behavior? There’s one other rooster besides him which sort of stays with most the flock, and there is 11 hens. Any opinions?

 

[Folly's place]

So you actually have pullets and cockerels, all under one year of age?
Your Silkie cockerel is doing his thing, because he's matured sooner than the pullets, all normal. You don't have any adult hens or roosters to manage this little guy, and he's being a randy adolescent.
With lots of space, places to be out of sight, and multiple feeders and waterers, things generally will work out. If there are any injuries, or if your pullets are under too much stress, either move him on, or keep him separate for a while, so the pullets can mature without being hassled too much.
Two cock birds may or may not work out with only eleven pullets; time will tell, and have a Plan B if things go badly, which can happen suddenly.
Mary

 

[MischickenNY]

So you actually have pullets and cockerels, all under one year of age?
Your Silkie cockerel is doing his thing, because he's matured sooner than the pullets, all normal. You don't have any adult hens or roosters to manage this little guy, and he's being a randy adolescent.
With lots of space, places to be out of sight, and multiple feeders and waterers, things generally will work out. If there are any injuries, or if your pullets are under too much stress, either move him on, or keep him separate for a while, so the pullets can mature without being hassled too much.
Two cock birds may or may not work out with only eleven pullets; time will tell, and have a Plan B if things go badly, which can happen suddenly.
Mary

Ah, i see. Hes actually the youngest out of the bunch! We plan on taking care of the problem or two is too much. Is there any recommendations you have for Helping along my egg layers? They should be about 23 weeksish.

 

[Folly's place]

Your pullets will start laying eggs when they are ready, and not before. Having nest boxes with fake eggs, or golf balls, will help direct them towards the best place for egg laying. They should be eating an all flock or chick/ grower feed, not a layer diet too.
Any pullets developing red combs are heading towards production, so be watchful. They may start laying eggs in other places, especially if they free range all day. look out for that too. Having they in their coop and run until afternoon may help with nest box selection, or even having them in 24/7 for a while to fix their little minds on those nest boxes.
Mary