Hens Not Mating with Roo

[NewHampGreen]

We have 12 hens (black austrolorps,barred rocks, nh reds, Delawares, buff orps) and 1 roo (bl austrolorp). All were hatched this past March, within a week of each other.
I have noticed that only one of the hens are interested, when he wants to mate. The rest run off when he dances. Needless to say, the one is getting pretty beat up by roo. Any advice on how to change the hens behavior?
Note that I want to keep the rooster, due to the fact he kicks hawk butt!

 

[Free Spirit]

Seeing as how you really like your roo, I'm assuming that separating the roo or his favorite hen is not really an option. But if the favorite hen is over mated the roo can seriously damage or even kill her (not intentionally of course). Perhaps you may need to consider making or purchasing a chicken saddle to protect her from rooster damage.

http://backtobasicliving.com/blog/make-a-chicken-saddle/

At least this will protect her backside until you find out how to resolve why the other girls are uncooperative.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

They'll be more receptive once laying. I'd figure out a way to house the cockerel separate for the time it takes for his favorite pullet to get feathers back. There are always favorites to mate but he's still to young to have gotten a good technique. The pullets will be more receptive, his new male hormones will subside some and things will be much smoother in another month when reintroducing him to flock.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Yes, you really do not have a rooster and hens, you have a cockerel and pullets. The behavior of immature adolescents can be quite a bit different than mature consenting adults. What they need is time to mature.

You say the one pullet is getting beat up. A lot of that can be in the eye of the beholder, but if you are concerned separate her from the flock or separate the cockerel from the flock for a while. It’s hard to say when they will actually mature, the other pullets as well as the cockerel, but it will happen.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Yes, you really do not have a rooster and hens, you have a cockerel and pullets. The behavior of immature adolescents can be quite a bit different than mature consenting adults. What they need is time to mature.

You say the one pullet is getting beat up. A lot of that can be in the eye of the beholder, but if you are concerned separate her from the flock or separate the cockerel from the flock for a while. It’s hard to say when they will actually mature, the other pullets as well as the cockerel, but it will happen.

in total agreement all around.

 

[aart]

Quote: X3

Curious as to how many of the pullets are laying.