Mean, picky rooster

[Brendasv]

I have a rooster that was "normal, until now. Recently, he singled out one of my best hens to ABUSE! I don't mean a favorite that he mates with too much, I mean he literally attacks her, injures her, bloodies her head and neck. She is terrified of him. I separated her (and another hen with her for company). But what gives with this rooster!?? I have raised chickens all my life, and have never seen one act this way! Not sure weather to get rid of him, or just keep them separated.

 

[red horse ranch]

I'm not sure this has anything to do with your birds but I have noticed that when one of my birds is sick or going downhill from age, the others will try to kill it. A chicken will try to hide any hurt or sickness so it may not be obvious to us humans. But the chickens know somehow and a rooster may be trying to protect the rest of his girls by getting out the one who isn't well. But like I said this may not apply to your chickens right now. It is curious that your rooster has singled out the one hen for abuse. I'm glad you have the hen separated. Just watch her and see if anything obvious shows up.

 

[chuckachucka]

Might be a silly question, but are you sure your hen is a hen?

Also have you been able to observe their behaviours before he attacks her? Maybe she has been squabbling with one of the other hens and he sees her as a threat to his more favoured girls? Or has she been refusing his mating advances, perhaps because she has gone off lay?