Within a week of each other I adopted a barred rock Roo that had been kept in unsatisfactory conditions and a RR hen that had been kept as a solo pet for some children. They took to each other instantly and for the 2 months we've had them, learned to free roam and follow me around the yard as the only two chickens around. Yesterday a friend of a friend needed to get rid of her entire small flock and I agreed to take her 4 chickens while my neighbor took her 2 guinea hens... Well when we went to pick the birds up 4 chickens were actually 8 lol and 2 were Roos. While healthy looking many of the hens were missing many feathers, the owners explained that it was one of the Roos and pointed out which one when I asked. I didn't say much but rounded everyone up and took them home. Once home I threw all the chicken but the abusive Roo into the coop, my two were in another part of the yard roaming, I put up a small pen so the new chickens could get outside during the next week or so as they adjust to their new home. I didn't really care what happened to the abusive Roo and he ended up flying up a tree when the dog came around to investigate.
So eventually my two chickens came around and there was a bit of aggression between the barred rock and the handsome other Roo that I allowed to stay with his girls. The new Roo quickly backed down and lays downs whenever my Roo comes around, my problem however is the RR hen, I know there's a pecking order but she viciously attacks every hen and takes complete advantage of the submissive Roo to peck at his combs until they're bloody. She literally gets ahold of him and doesn't want to let go, he won't get up and run because of the barred rock Roo nearby. Is she just a bad hen or should I give it time? I separated them for the night, the original two in the garage with the new chickens in the coop.
Also, the Roos seemed to have established order quickly and there wasn't really any fighting after the new Roo gave in. My neighbors havent seen them but are convinced that if I keep both one will kill the other within days. There's only 8 hens but I'd rather not lose either Roo. Is it possible they will coexist?
So eventually my two chickens came around and there was a bit of aggression between the barred rock and the handsome other Roo that I allowed to stay with his girls. The new Roo quickly backed down and lays downs whenever my Roo comes around, my problem however is the RR hen, I know there's a pecking order but she viciously attacks every hen and takes complete advantage of the submissive Roo to peck at his combs until they're bloody. She literally gets ahold of him and doesn't want to let go, he won't get up and run because of the barred rock Roo nearby. Is she just a bad hen or should I give it time? I separated them for the night, the original two in the garage with the new chickens in the coop.
Also, the Roos seemed to have established order quickly and there wasn't really any fighting after the new Roo gave in. My neighbors havent seen them but are convinced that if I keep both one will kill the other within days. There's only 8 hens but I'd rather not lose either Roo. Is it possible they will coexist?
