Hens bullying young cockerels

[LaurenRitz]

On the roost. Because of a problem with the previous roos, https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/roost-er-misbehaving-on-the-roost.1600110/ everyone has been sleeping on the floor or on those blocks in the corner (Beast and her sidekick). One of the hens was back on the roost last night as well, which is progress.

 

[gimmie birdies]

A hen's job is to bully young cockrels. It teaches them to be gentlemen. I actually like to take the little roosters from hens their own age, and put them in with adult hens. It is good for them.

 

[SmiYa0126]

I'm glad that you're paying attention to this, I had a cockerel scalped at this age. He has recovered but it was a horrible experience.

 

[LaurenRitz]

A hen's job is to bully young cockrels. It teaches them to be gentlemen. I actually like to take the little roosters from hens their own age, and put them in with adult hens. It is good for them.

I have done both, and I much prefer that the babies be raised by hens. Much easier integration, they learn how to be chickens, and everyone learns manners.

 

[LaurenRitz]

It's working. Boys go in through the coop door, girls go in through the pop door in the run. Squabbles and jostling after I close the doors, but that's ok.

I'm hoping the Beast will keep guarding the run door, but I suspect she will alter her tactics once she figures out what changed.