Is this normal or aggressive?

[islandgirl82]

Definitely separate him right away but personally, I wouldn't keep him at all. Regardless of where his place was in his previous flock, if he's full grown, he has zero reason to be attacking any of the girls like that no matter how young or old. He should be trying to woo them with dances and treats, not ripping their flesh off.

Dinner.

 

[lazy gardener]

Rooster is full-grown, I don't know the age for sure, but I'd be surprised if he's under a year old.
My "hens" are mixed ages, from 6 weeks to over a year. After I saw his aggression I separated the 6-week-olds but the 4-month-olds are still with him. I thought that it was the tiny size of the 6-week-olds that made them his targets, but after I took them out I saw him attack a 4-month-old as well; she fared a lot better than the little ones did!

He was at the bottom of the pecking order in the home he was in before. He's only been with me for a week today. I can't really blame him for not knowing how to socialize!

If I separate him from the pullets and hens, in separate but joined pens (so they can still see and talk to each other through the fence), then put him back in with the others after a week or so, might that improve his behavior?

No matter what his place in the pecking order at the previous home, that does not excuse his current behavior. Any roo who attacks chicks is a menace to chicken society. I agree full heartedly with Island Girl. He should go. You could rehome him to an other flock, but... he's already been a failure in 2 flocks. I'd not pass him off to an other flock without full disclosure. IMO nasty roos taste better.