My hen been fighting with the new rooster

[kz_soupz19]

I have 2 hens (Orpington & Ancona) I have them since they are chicks. Recently I got other 2 chickens since chicks which it turned out one of them is a rooster. Both pullet and cockerel now are 17 weeks old. We noticed that our Ancona puffs up like a rooster and at times tries to start fights with the young rooster or viceversa. We placed a dog kennel inside our run and we put her inside then after a while we let her out and the fights start again. Idk what would be there best to do, Idk if I should let them fight it out but I’m also afraid that there would be very bad injuries looking for suggestions or advice

 

[Cheekychook12]

I have 2 hens (Orpington & Ancona) I have them since they are chicks. Recently I got other 2 chickens since chicks which it turned out one of them is a rooster. Both pullet and cockerel now are 17 weeks old. We noticed that our Ancona puffs up like a rooster and at times tries to start fights with the young rooster or viceversa. We placed a dog kennel inside our run and we put her inside then after a while we let her out and the fights start again. Idk what would be there best to do, Idk if I should let them fight it out but I’m also afraid that there would be very bad injuries looking for suggestions or advice

I had a similar situation with mine, introduce them through a fence with small gaps so they can see each other but not hurt
My cockerel fought for dominance over the older hens, I had to keep him separate until he was mature enough to admit defeat or earned their respect
I wouldn’t let them fight it out, the hens bit the cockerels wattles and tried to twist them off
But the cockerel was too full of himself to back down
They are fine together now

 

[CurlyChickenGirly]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined! I don’t have any experience with this but hope you get help!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

I would rehome the cockerel. If the Ancona is going after him, that's just the start. The rooster will eventually. And then the cockerel will one day make a move on the rooster. Too much drama.

 

[Yardmom]

How bad is the fighting? Any blood?
The natural way for chickens to establish rank is by fighting, so sometimes you do need to let them work it out. As keepers we can do things to minimize the squabbles. Several days with see no touch. When they are putting together there needs to be plenty of space and plenty of places to hide. New birds should be given a chance to explore the space before being with established birds in the space.
There is 1 male bird and 3 hens? Correct some will say not enough hens. I would wait and see how it goes. Breeders often have only 3 girls with one male.

 

[Nomadicus]

Hello and Welcome to BYC. So glad that you have joined us here in this fun and poultry loving community. I hope you can work it out. I've had hens puff up and show a rooster when he not wanted. All turned out ok after the rooster was taught some manners. I also have 2 Ancona hens and they don't take anything off any of the roosters they come in contact with.

 

[triciayoung]

Welcome. I agree with @Cheekychook12. You have a hen who is saying "I'm in charge here", and a poor cockerel that is young and scared. Do the look and don't touch approach for a few weeks. They will be fine.

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[Tookie]

Hello, and welcome to BYC! Good luck with your birds!

 

[chrissynemetz]

Hello, and a belated welcome! Good luck with your cockerel.