Killer chickens?

[bobbi-j]

Ok so I purchased a variety of breeds through Murray McMurray Hatchery, 24 chickens total. I believe they threw in some extra chickens, "just in case," although they all survived. I believe all the extras are Red Sex-link roosters and we have 5 of them. They are almost 2 months old now and last night I found two dead hens in the coop. I've noticed some aggression from those rooster, could it be that they are killing the hens?
Thanks in advance!

Can you describe what condition the pullets were in when you found them (besides dead)? Was there a lot of blood, feathers missing? Anything else you can think of? How big is the coop (in feet by feet) you have them in? Same for the run - how much space? Two months seems a bit young for hormones to be the problem, but overcrowding could be a factor.

Sorry to hijack!! But I feel similar to the op. I've got a 6 month old silkie rooster who has this raging hormone thing going on as of last week.. little guy is jumping my guineas and some young lavenders and suddenly my smallest lav is appearing to have wry neck... she's 16weeks and I've had her since a day old with no problems ever. She got in with him and wrestled her down violently and now she's pathetic I've got her separated but then he jumped the dang guinea! A SILKIE! Is he gonna calm down?

I'd separate him until he settles down.

 

[Gallmanck]

Woke up this morning to find our "free rare chick" (a Cochin) dead. "Fuzzy Feet", as my wife named him/her, was one of our favorites. He always came out of the coop last and I waited this morning for him to come, and he did not. It looks like they pecked until some of his organs were coming out. I'm not sure yet how I will handle the roosters, but they won't be staying in the coop or run anymore! I appreciate all of the input guys.

 

[Top Rooster]

It's not the roosters you have a predator problem you need to secure your coop or else they'll all be gone.

 

[Gallmanck]

I don't see how it could be a predator problem. The coop is completely secure.

 

[aart]

At 2 months old I seriously doubt your cockerels(not roosters until one year old) are homicidal...and if not predators there are other ways young birds can die, then they are fair game for the surviving chicks to nosh on.

These are good questions if you really want to solve the issue.

How big is the coop (in feet by feet) you have them in? Same for the run - how much space? Two months seems a bit young for hormones to be the problem, but overcrowding could be a factor.

Also need to know how many birds within the accurate coop dimensions.

 

[Top Rooster]

I have had bad experience with roosters too to the point of plucking a broody hens neck till it bled and killing her chick. But they never peck at the gut they go for top of the neck and comb and wattles, I doubt the roosters are trying to eat hens that would be an odd behavior. Plus the chickens can't see in the middle of the night so no pecking happens in the night.

 

[bobbi-j]

At 2 months old I seriously doubt your cockerels(not roosters until one year old) are homicidal...and if not predators there are other ways young birds can die, then they are fair game for the surviving chicks to nosh on.

These are good questions if you really want to solve the issue.

Also need to know how many birds within the accurate coop dimensions.

I have had bad experience with roosters too to the point of plucking a broody hens neck till it bled and killing her chick. But they never peck at the gut they go for top of the neck and comb and wattles, I doubt the roosters are trying to eat hens that would be an odd behavior. Plus the chickens can't see in the middle of the night so no pecking happens in the night.

@Top Rooster - Aart was agreeing with you, in that it was likely a predator. But it is possible that survivors were found pecking on it in the morning. They will go for any part that's exposed. However, it is still possible if they're too crowded that this is a case of cannibalism. Until OP provides answers to questions asked, and (hopefully - because this would be extremely helpful in helping us to help him) pictures of coop and run area, we really can't give any kind of worthwhile advice.

 

[Lokibinian]

Sorry to hijack!! But I feel similar to the op. I've got a 6 month old silkie rooster who has this raging hormone thing going on as of last week.. little guy is jumping my guineas and some young lavenders and suddenly my smallest lav is appearing to have wry neck... she's 16weeks and I've had her since a day old with no problems ever. She got in with him and wrestled her down violently and now she's pathetic I've got her separated but then he jumped the dang guinea! A SILKIE! Is he gonna calm down?

I'll have to agree with bobbi-j, separate him. If he's still being a problem to the hens, and starts acting human-aggressive, you'll have to get cull him (however you see fit) or try to discipline him.

Woke up this morning to find our "free rare chick" (a Cochin) dead. "Fuzzy Feet", as my wife named him/her, was one of our favorites. He always came out of the coop last and I waited this morning for him to come, and he did not. It looks like they pecked until some of his organs were coming out. I'm not sure yet how I will handle the roosters, but they won't be staying in the coop or run anymore! I appreciate all of the input guys.

I'm sorry to hear about your Cochin. I'm actually starting to think the roosters are not the problem. Like I said, most roosters' hormones start peaking at four to six months, and they're not that old yet. Like others have said, could it be overcrowding? I'm suspecting either cannibalism or a predator problem.

 

[ChiefSuperFly]

I've got a total of 3 silkies. One is a young hen and then the hormonal roo and his hen. He's really good to those two so I don't understand... I've been looking for a few hens for him hoping it will satisfy his needs lol. If he does continue he's gone.

Also I'm sorry to hear about your Cochin I hope things start looking up.

 

[Gallmanck]

Guys, thanks for all of your input. I immediately removed the roosters from the coop. And it's been a month or so. No more losses!! This coop was left at the house when we moved in so I will need to measure it to be sure. I can't say for sure it was the roos, but ever since I removed them I have not had any issues.