Help! I think my hens are killing our new rooster

[Kaitlynd12]

Hi all. I have 9 RIR hens. They are about 6 months old. Last week, we added a 4 month old rooster. I did it for a few reasons, but now I’m worried. I think the hens are not treating him well. He is significantly smaller than they are because of age. I’m worried he’s not getting enough food/water. There are two hens that constantly chase him. I’m just wondering if there’s something I can do to help the situation. I feel terrible for him. Thanks for any advice.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Separate him by a fence for a few weeks until he settles and they become more familiar with him.

 

[GoYaya]

I agree with separating him. Make sure he has an ample amount of food and water to grow. I would also suggest spending time with him as nobody wants a mean rooster!

 

[Mrs. K]

I would leave him in there. But take a look at your set up. Add two more feed stations, BUT make it so that a bird eating at one station, cannot see a bird eating at a different station. A cardboard box, a pallet, a small piece of plywood can all make a mini wall, where as a bird can step behind, be out of sight, and get a fill.

Separating birds often causes more problems than it solves. If they are ripping him apart- pulling feathers, leaving wounds - then separate them. Otherwise, give them some other options such as extra feeders, and other places to get out of reach or sight.

Mrs K

 

[bobbi-j]

I would leave him in there. But take a look at your set up. Add two more feed stations, BUT make it so that a bird eating at one station, cannot see a bird eating at a different station. A cardboard box, a pallet, a small piece of plywood can all make a mini wall, where as a bird can step behind, be out of sight, and get a fill.

Separating birds often causes more problems than it solves. If they are ripping him apart- pulling feathers, leaving wounds - then separate them. Otherwise, give them some other options such as extra feeders, and other places to get out of reach or sight.

Mrs K

I agree with this.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Did you already do an integration when you brought him home or did you just put him in the coop?

 

[aart]

He is a 'baby' still....immature.
Single bird integrations are rife with problems.
Adult cockbird is the easiest integration.

FYI-PSA.....semantics, maybe, but can be important communication terms when discussing chicken behavior.
Female chickens are called pullets until one year of age, then they are called hens.
Male chickens are called cockerels until one year of age, then they are called cocks(or cockbirds or roosters).
Age in weeks or months is always a good thing to note.

 

[Kaitlynd12]

Did you already do an integration when you brought him home or did you just put him in the coop?

I didn’t do an integration. I was told that because he was male, he would be fine if I just added him to the flock.

 

[Kaitlynd12]

He is a 'baby' still....immature.
Single bird integrations are rife with problems.
Adult cockbird is the easiest integration.

FYI-PSA.....semantics, maybe, but can be important communication terms when discussing chicken behavior.
Female chickens are called pullets until one year of age, then they are called hens.
Male chickens are called cockerels until one year of age, then they are called cocks(or cockbirds or roosters).
Age in weeks or months is always a good thing to note.

Thank you!!!

 

[Kaitlynd12]

I would leave him in there. But take a look at your set up. Add two more feed stations, BUT make it so that a bird eating at one station, cannot see a bird eating at a different station. A cardboard box, a pallet, a small piece of plywood can all make a mini wall, where as a bird can step behind, be out of sight, and get a fill.

Separating birds often causes more problems than it solves. If they are ripping him apart- pulling feathers, leaving wounds - then separate them. Otherwise, give them some other options such as extra feeders, and other places to get out of reach or sight.

Mrs K

Thank you. I will definitely do this. I don’t see any wounds or feather pulling. Just a lot of animosity and bullying. It’s one particular pullet that starts it all. I’m wondering if she was the alpha female before he came around?