HELP! Hens are afraid of rooster????

[deedra11]

Hi I have 1 silkie hen & 1 silkie rooster that are 21 weeks old, I also have 2 barred rock hens that are 18 weeks old. My silkie hen is definitely at the bottom of the pecking order & she is not wanting to go in the coop at night. My rooster just started trying to mate with her a couple of weeks ago and I think that is why. And last night my barred rock hens were sleeping outside too & the rooster was in there all alone. I think they are all afraid of him & I'm just wondering if he will grow out of this? I don't want to have to get rid of him but lately there has been alot weird behaviors with my hens, I would hate for them all to be afraid of him. I am a first time chicken owner so I don't know if this is normal.

 

[easttxchick]

Sounds like they are just at that age. They tend to act a bit different once they reach breeding age.
It will smooth out and they will settle in-just give them a bit of time.
I would give your boy a chance and not get rid of him-he's just young and probably a bit rough with the ladies right now.

 

[tiffanyh]

Maybe she was shocked by his intentions!!

My chickens all avoid my roo right after I let them out in the morning, I understand why. After that, he annoys them just like all the other chickens annoy and bug each other throughout the day. He probably has one thing on his mind right now and is super annoying to them.

You also may be misinterpreting a new pattern of behavior (roosting outside) for avoidance.