I have always had hens as I just had no desire to have a Roo. But I decided I really wanted some Black Copper Marans and I got a deal if I took a trio,so I did. The hens are just fine in my crew but some of the hens have decided to start pulling out the tail feathers of the Roo. He is only 4-5 months old. My hen group vary in ages from 5 months up to 1yr. and I have added chickens to the group to get up to the number I have now,I didn't buy them all at once and there has never been and issue. I have seperated the Roo for right now but I really want him in with the crew as I may want to try and hatch some eggs later on. Any suggestions on what is going on and how to make it stop would be great.
This happened to my neighbor. They resolved it by making an enclosed cage with a nest in it for their newcomer and younger roo. They would let the roo range free with the older hens during the day where he was quick enough to dodge them. At night they tucked him into his personal cage where he could nest in peace. After a few weeks, he was accepted by the hens who now look up to him - it is heart-warming to watch him protect his former tormentors and call them to choice feeding areas. Talk about forgiveness!
