Not getting along

[dreamer5577]

I had 4 chickens (2 months old ... predicted roo and 3 pullets) but a pullet was killed by my dog so I bought 2 other pullets from the same batch that the roo was from. I put them all together and the roo chases after the two new pullets and grabs their feathers like hes trying to pull them out. He has never acted like that before. So temporarily I locked him in a dog carrier. Anyone have any ideas on what I should do here?

 

[texasgal]

Quote:
Chickens really can be bullies, huh?

I would actually pen the new pullets where the others get used to them and then eventually turn them out together ..etc.

I found that penning the rooster only makes him stupider.. lol.

They will eventually work it out...

 

[TheSpiceGirls]

I have an EE who was pecking at my BO when I doled out treats. I tried a number of things and finally got a $2 spray bottle from the hardware store. I fill it w/ water and give her a spritz if she does something naughty. It has worked like a charm.

Not sure that would cross over to train a rooster. I know they are more driven by hormones, etc. But worth trying.

 

[BooBear]

Did you have the new pullets in an integration pen for a few weeks to where they could all see each other but not hurt each other?

If you just tossed the girls in then they are being attacked as intruders. Your rooster is protecting his flock by running the intruders away. I would recommend putting the new girls in an integration pen as mentioned above and try letting them run together in a week or 2. There will still be sorting to do as a new pecking order gets established, however, you should not see over aggressive behavior.