How do you keep cockerals from attacking pullets?

[Susanv47]

In my flock of 21, I believe I have 19 pullets and 2 cockerals. They are all around four months old. Barred Rocks, Black sex-links, White Leghorns, and Rhode Island Reds. The cockerals are Barred, they have been viciously attacking my pullets. Should I separate them from the rest of the flock or is this normal behavior?

 

[azygous]

Separate the cockerels. Between age four months and one year, young cockerels have an over abundance of hormones. They're rough and relentless on the girls during this period. After the hormones begin to quiet down around a year old, and especially by age two, they're a lot nicer to the hens.

There is no law you're breaking by separating them. It's a lot easier on everyone.

 

[Susanv47]

Thank you very much. They are so rough its disturbing. We are working on a pen just for the boys, I was still trying to figure out exactly how many I have, maybe three at the most. Have a great night. Thanks again.

 

[aart]

I just culled 2 out of 3 cockerels because they were viciously grabbing necks in the junior coop.....oldest and dominant keeper roo backed off bad behavior drastically since removing the competition.