Need advice on rooster vs. hen - rooster beating the hen

[comp6512]

I have a three year old hen that is acting broody. She is clucking and ruffling her feathers. The rooster, who is otherwise is a very nice guy, beating her at every opportunity. And he is smart, when he sees that I'm watching him, he does not do it, but the minute I turn the corner, he is on her back, pecking. He pecks her head to blood.

What to do? I like both. Like I said, he is otherwise is a very nice, protective rooster. But since the hen is acting "different", I understand, he wants to eliminate the "weakest link". But I don't want fights.

Should I give him away? Put him into the chicken jail? Help!

 

[sourland]

I think that you are correct. He is attacking her because she is 'different'. Can you separate him from the flock until she gets over her broody behavior?