Is my rooster old enough to mate?!

[Graciesing2us]

My 5 months old rooster chases a hen the same age, around a few times a day. Is he old enough to mate or just a bully? I have 4 hens who are 3 years old and doesn't seem to do it a lot with them. Any ideas?

 

[sylviethecochin]

He's old enough to mate, and he is a bully. He's not going after the older hens because they'll beat the heck out of him if he tries that with them.

If you can, I'd separate him out into an adjoining pen. No need to let your pullet deal with that if you can prevent it.

 

[RWise]

I put 4 month old cocks I am going to keep in a bachelor pad (see, visit, no touch) until they are at least 1 YO'
I have also seen a few cocks that go after the oldest highest ranking hen in the flock,,,

 

[Graciesing2us]

Thanks guys, every time he's tried with the young one my older girls attack him they won't have any of it

 

[chickengeorgeto]

My 5 months old rooster chases a hen the same age, around a few times a day. Is he old enough to mate or just a bully?...

Oh he is plenty old enough to mate, at least in his own mind. The question should be is he old enough to father vigorous and healthy chicks? Probably not.

 

[RWise]

Thanks guys, every time he's tried with the young one my older girls attack him they won't have any of it

He does not have their respect yet, that will come with time.

 

[aart]

every time he's tried with the young one my older girls attack him they won't have any of it

That's a good thing!
Might help him learn some manners.

He's not a really a bully he's just a young cockerel,
unless he's pinned them down and beating them unmercilessly,
that's what most of them do.

Hopefully your pullets have enough space and a place to get away from him?