Hens and new Rooster

[Kandy Chick]

Just introduced Roo-Ben to 12 Hens (all about 4-5 months old)...first day I go out to throw bread crumbs, I notice the hens are scrambling around like crazed birds to get the food? Why the change in behavior? I mean I know the Rooster is a new dynamic but he wasn't doing anything but standing there.

 

[Lamaremybabies]

Huh, that's interesting, maybe the stress of the new chicken is making them freak out. Or maybe he was picking on them or vice-versa. Not really sure honestly. Maybe they were just hungry.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

More competition. Maybe they are scrambling around making sure not to be caught and mounted. Chickens are creatures of habit, and ANY change can through them off a bit. They might just be avoiding the stranger danger.

Anyways, couple of friendly suggestion... avoid bread as it has zero nutritional value and it CAN cause sour crop. High protein snacks are a great choice. A very small amount once in a while *shouldn't* cause problems.

I guess my second suggestion is more about sharing some technical chicken info with you.. Did you know that until 1 year old your birds are called pullets and cockerels. After 1 is when they technically become hens and roosters.

Love your boys' creative name! Hope him and the ladies get along happily ever after. I would anticipate them to start screaming a little when he decides to mount them if they aren't used to it.

Also, I'm guessing this is going to be your first roo experience since your girls are also still so young.. try to learn a little about roo behavior. He hasn't hit his maturing points yet where he has become protective of the hens and started acting like a maniac every time you turn your back. There are a couple points that I see significant behavioral changes. Pay attention to the "stink eye", it's an indicator that something, maybe you or a dog, is on his radar as a possible threat. Meaning the first possible attack/protective response. And don't mistake possible friendliness towards you as actual friendliness, it is often just their confidence that makes them not scared of you and SEEM friendly. Roosters don't build trusting friendships with their human counter part, MOST of the time. You just need to teach him to respect your space. Each experience will be different because each bird is an individual, regardless of breed or gender. But I have clued you in and you can now maybe notice some signs and work from the beginning to have a peaceful coexistence with your maturing boy.