My Rooster saga

[hayley3]

My gentle rooster turned a year old in May. He came in a group of 4 pullets but he was not a pullet. Anyway, he had been hurting the chickens so I separated him...one was always injured more than the others but I assumed he just liked her more. I have de-spurred him, trimmed his toenails, clipped his wings and kept him separated while they heal. I noticed today that he actually attacks one hen although she is quick to assume the submissive position. The others he mounts and goes on. I did buy 6 other chickens although they are chicks right now, only a month old.

Should I try to rehome him? I do not know what to do with him. The last roosters I had years ago I just let loose in the forest behind my house, and I have felt guilty ever since that time.

I do not know why he would attack that one chicken except for the fact I put a chicken apron on her and maybe that is what did it..but today she didn't have one on and he landed on her with both feet in an attack position like a hawk would on its prey.

I really need advice before I just let him loose to become the fox's dinner.

Thanks,
Cheryl

 

[TheGoldenGirlz]

Why would you keep him? If he is attacking a hen like that he must not be a very good rooster. If you really want to have a roo, try and find one that is more respectful

 

[Criticalicious]

What breed? Maybe you need more girls for him? Roosters are easy to come by though, so if he's not treating his girls right, maybe find him a new home and get a nicer gent. Or you could try giving him a time out when he acts poorly. Sometimes they make the connection and calm down, sometimes not.

 

[KikiLeigh02]

Do you only have the three pullets?

 

[hayley3]

Why would you keep him? If he is attacking a hen like that he must not be a very good rooster. If you really want to have a roo, try and find one that is more respectful

I am not one for giving up animals...I always try to work it out. I got him as a baby and he is gentle to the other hens and to me.

 

[hayley3]

What breed? Maybe you need more girls for him? Roosters are easy to come by though, so if he's not treating his girls right, maybe find him a new home and get a nicer gent. Or you could try giving him a time out when he acts poorly. Sometimes they make the connection and calm down, sometimes not.

He's a silver laced Wyandotte and he's really huge compared to the girls. I wonder if anyone would take him considering he is attacking one hen. I guess that's what I am wondering. He's been separated for a few months since I noticed the hen had been hurt. I thought he was hurting her with his feet during mating but another time he sliced the top of her neck open with his beak...again I thought it was him mating but now I am doubting that.

 

[TheGoldenGirlz]

I am not one for giving up animals...I always try to work it out. I got him as a baby and he is gentle to the other hens and to me.

Whatever floats your boat! I personally wouldn’t let a hen be tortured. I guess time will tell if he will settle down, good luck!

 

[hayley3]

Do you only have the three pullets?

Yes that's all I have that are grown right now.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

Are you sure he is attacking it and just not roughly mating with it.Roosters will chase and grab hens to breed them.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

If he is doing the above,it’s only natural for a rooster to chase and grab hens,if he isn’t causing any blood she’d he is fine.