Hi Everyone! First time raising chickens, have 5 and a rooster. Was told they were all female when I purchased them from Standard Feed in Jacksonville. Oh well.
My problem is the rooster is bullying the girls. Actually, he is trying to breed and they want none of him. Now they are hiding inside the coop where it is hot and barely come out to snatch a bite to eat and some water. I have put a small feeder and water bottle inside but there isn't much room.
I think I am going to have to construct another enclosure for the rooster, Bert. (formerly Bertha) I do not want to kill him. In fact, I have no intention of killing any of my chickens, laying or not. I cannot just let him roam the yard because I have two large dogs.
Any advice would be appreciated.
So my chickens are 21 weeks old now. I suspect they will start laying shortly. they are allegedly Ameraucana (sp?) I am feeding them Purina Organic Layer feed, mixed with scratch and dried worms. I am using pine shavings inside the coop. I clean it every few days, and in between cleanings, I add fresh shavings.
I really don't know what I'm doing. I've read books but still unsure. Help!
My problem is the rooster is bullying the girls. Actually, he is trying to breed and they want none of him. Now they are hiding inside the coop where it is hot and barely come out to snatch a bite to eat and some water. I have put a small feeder and water bottle inside but there isn't much room.
I think I am going to have to construct another enclosure for the rooster, Bert. (formerly Bertha) I do not want to kill him. In fact, I have no intention of killing any of my chickens, laying or not. I cannot just let him roam the yard because I have two large dogs.
Any advice would be appreciated.
So my chickens are 21 weeks old now. I suspect they will start laying shortly. they are allegedly Ameraucana (sp?) I am feeding them Purina Organic Layer feed, mixed with scratch and dried worms. I am using pine shavings inside the coop. I clean it every few days, and in between cleanings, I add fresh shavings.
I really don't know what I'm doing. I've read books but still unsure. Help!
Separate him from the flock until the hens are sexually mature and hopefully he will have settled down. Realistically it may be difficult to maintain him in a flock with only five hens without having problems. Have a 'plan B' in mind for him.
