Mating attempts or bullying

[MildlyOffensiveChicken]

I have 3 Icelandic cockerals that are almost 14 weeks old.

They chase the 7 similarly aged Icelandic pullets and the single 15 week old RIR pullet.


They rarely catch the Icelandic pullets and they don’t stick around.

The RIR will squat for the 9 month old BCM cockeral I have. She is also a bit slower than the Icelandics.

When the Icelandics catch the RIR they tend to latch on to her lower back with their beak and she breaks free. I can’t determine if they are trying to mount or not. On occasion, the RIR will fly up to my shoulder or arm and attempt to land when being pursued. RIR makes unhappy noises throughout.

My first set of chickens living conditions meant fewer observation opportunities so I am not sure.

Is this normal attempts to mate or are they picking on her?

 

[PoultryCQ]

I have 3 Icelandic cockerals that are almost 14 weeks old.

They chase the 7 similarly aged Icelandic pullets and the single 15 week old RIR pullet.


They rarely catch the Icelandic pullets and they don’t stick around.

The RIR will squat for the 9 month old BCM cockeral I have. She is also a bit slower than the Icelandics.

When the Icelandics catch the RIR they tend to latch on to her lower back with their beak and she breaks free. I can’t determine if they are trying to mount or not. On occasion, the RIR will fly up to my shoulder or arm and attempt to land when being pursued. RIR makes unhappy noises throughout.

My first set of chickens living conditions meant fewer observation opportunities so I am not sure.

Is this normal attempts to mate or are they picking on her?

Sounds like they are trying to mate. BUT thats not a good male to female ratio at all! Have you planned to rehome some cockerels?

 

[MildlyOffensiveChicken]

I have 4 cockerels and 8 pullets total. Certainly not ideal. 100sq feet coop with a electric fenced in area of about 1200sq feet.


Within the next 2 weeks, the current coop will become the bachelor hut. I have a 75% built hoop house on the same property. But 90+ degree weather and smoke has limited work Time. I will probably push to finish it up this weekend. Always seem a bit behind.

 

[aart]

Is this normal attempts to mate or are they picking on her?

Dominance and mating behavior, time to move them.