Flock dynamics after rooster cull

[pattijoiner]

Last weekend we culled our “head” rooster and another younger rooster who really hadn’t developed yet. The whole flock dynamic changed instantly. Stanley was a great protector, but he was so big and mated so aggressively my girls were losing their feathers. He had his moments, but wasn’t overly aggressive toward humans. I interacted with the flock all the time and he stayed curious but not overly possessive.
With him being gone, all the girls are SO MUCH more affectionate. Literally standing at my feet wanting to be petted or picked up.
It’s crazy! Is this normal?

Also, a younger roo is the only male left. Do older hens usually accept him with time? I’ve never been in this situation .

 

[Lady of McCamley]

The older hens will haze him (as they should) and teach him manners. Watch that his life doesn't become miserable. Likely it won't...unless he starts really acting like a jerk. (Always cull any rooster that is human or animal aggressive.)

Since they are older hens used to being with a male, the younger rooster will have to woo them. It is actually an excellent set up to teach a younger male how to behave with his girls, providing he has good genetics and temperament.

I broody raise my chicks who are integrated into the flock by momma. I have had a senior rooster (or two) die and had one of their sons flock raised who came into their place. The old ladies made sure he was a gentlemen before he got any attention...so it works really well. (Much better than a teen roo with teen pullets. Those tend to brutalize their sister flock mates as hormones rage as the young silly teen girls don't know how to put him in his place.)

LofMc

 

[Sammy1122]

I have been experiencing this same thing, however I didn’t cull them, I just separated the boys till the rainy months are over.

 

[Sammy1122]

But yes they are sooo much more affectionate/attention seeking then when they were being bred.

 

[pattijoiner]

The older hens will haze him (as they should) and teach him manners. Watch that his life doesn't become miserable. Likely it won't...unless he starts really acting like a jerk. (Always cull any rooster that is human or animal aggressive.)

Since they are older hens used to being with a male, the younger rooster will have to woo them. It is actually an excellent set up to teach a younger male how to behave with his girls, providing he has good genetics and temperament.

I broody raise my chicks who are integrated into the flock by momma. I have had a senior rooster (or two) die and had one of their sons flock raised who came into their place. The old ladies made sure he was a gentlemen before he got any attention...so it works really well. (Much better than a teen roo with teen pullets. Those tend to brutalize their sister flock mates as hormones rage as the young silly teen girls don't know how to put him in his place.)

LofMc

There is something so amazing about an older hen, isn’t there? I have two broodies on eggs right now and I love watching the whole process and behaviors

 

[McChooky]

Last weekend we culled our “head” rooster and another younger rooster who really hadn’t developed yet. The whole flock dynamic changed instantly. Stanley was a great protector, but he was so big and mated so aggressively my girls were losing their feathers. He had his moments, but wasn’t overly aggressive toward humans. I interacted with the flock all the time and he stayed curious but not overly possessive.
With him being gone, all the girls are SO MUCH more affectionate. Literally standing at my feet wanting to be petted or picked up.
It’s crazy! Is this normal?

Also, a younger roo is the only male left. Do older hens usually accept him with time? I’ve never been in this situation .

Yes its normal.Hen only flocks are nice! I enjoyed my hens before I got a rooster.Now they're his hens lol