Hens increasing in confidence since rooster culled!

[Ridgerunner]

I totally agree removing jerks from the flock can improve behaviors and calm the rest. It can improve your enjoyment of them too. I consider that important.

I always try to choose for the benefit of the flock, not one individual. I've removed hens that were jerks too and seen improvement.

 

[CannedMonster]

I’m having the opposite problem.
I got rid of my roosters a few months ago and recently some of my hens and pullets have been fighting.
They’re not engaging in bloodshed or anything (at least not yet) but they never fought when I had roosters.

 

[Folly's place]

Flock dynamics! Always interesting, at least.
Mary

 

[HollyWoozle]

I’m having the opposite problem.
I got rid of my roosters a few months ago and recently some of my hens and pullets have been fighting.
They’re not engaging in bloodshed or anything (at least not yet) but they never fought when I had roosters.

I did notice more fighting between the hens for a while afterwards, I guess they needed to establish a new pecking order, but it seems to be quietening down now. I think Olaf kept them in line to a degree.

I enjoy keeping a rooster and the social aspect that is brings... we've had many others in the past and they were never a problem. I think we'll wait until the spring and then maybe see about introducing another (lots to be rescued around here) but will have to hope for a better temperament.

 

[CannedMonster]

My best and favorite rooster was a bantam dark Brahma named, Hector.
I miss him so much!
I’m thinking of getting another bantam Brahma in the hopes that he will be similar to Hector.

 

[HollyWoozle]

Very handsome and Hector is a great name! If we do end up getting another rooster then it will be a rescue. I have some potential names in mind, including Bjorn Ironside.

 

[Folly's place]

The bantam buff Brahmas I've had have all been very nice birds, and no issues with the roosters. Beautiful, all of them, and very sweet.
Mary

 

[Matilda Belle]

I agree there are good roosters and there are bad roosters. I had a rooster once that terrorized the hens. He would follow them around everywhere and mate them, even in the nest boxes when they were trying to lay eggs. He was the most beautiful rooster and so sweet to me, but he had to go because of the way he over-mated my hens so badly.

I've personally noticed that my hens seem happier when they have a rooster (as long as he's not naughty!). Without a rooster, the hens bicker a lot and seem sort of lost.