older hen lost rank in pecking order

[lorinator]

I have 3 older hens (2 EE and 1 barred rock) and 10 new chickens (5 barred rock hens, 2 EE hens and 3 roosters hatched in April. Among this batch I got 3 roosters (all EE). They were all getting alond great! The dominant rooster is being mean to one of my older hens because she did not come home the other night because she was scared into the woods. I found her next morning and put her in the coop. Immediately my dominant rooster chased her and grabbed her neck feathers so I separated him for the day. Today she seems very timid and he does not let her eat, seems like she is segregated even though she was one of my 3 dominant hens. What can I do? I am re-homing this rooster tomorrow, do you think things will go back to normal? He seems to be the only one bothered by her.

 

[lorinator]

Is this normal behavior for a rooster? I thought they were supposed to take care of all the hens and break up scuffles between the girls.

 

[Amina]

It sounds like he was trying to mate with her. They can be quite rough when they mate, especially if it's a young cockerel who doesn't have his technique figured out yet. So it's normal behavior, but that is too many roosters for that number of hens. I would only keep one, if any. Otherwise your hens will be stressed, plus the roosters may fight.

 

[aart]

I'd get rid of all but one rooster(if you even need one).

I'm surprised the older hens are not kicking the butts of the young roosters, that what happens in my flock.
But my olders outnumber the youngers.

How old is this hen that's getting picked on...is she unhealthy or injured?