Older rooster rejecting older hens?

[ladybrasa]

Just curious about a behavior I have been seeing. At one point we had an old rooster at least 8 years old, and three hens about 8, 5, and 3 years old. They are/were all healthy and the hens are still laying, at least occasionally. I got into a chick craze and eventually ended up with a new cockerels (and a zillion pullets) added in. Of course the old rooster was alpha and kept the younger in line. I’m sure the older hens might have kept him in his place also. About a year in, the new roo fought the old one and the old one just did not adapt to being ousted. He basically just hid his head and cowered all day long. Anyway, he became tasty burgers. I was hoping he would adapt to being beta, but apparently not. Anyway, well into the new roo’s tenure, I noticed he chases away the three older hens. He doesn’t terrorize them or anything, but definitely chases them away a few feet if say, I throw down scratch for everyone or they get too close to his space. The older girls still appear quite healthy and still have some sort of status amongst the hens. Why would a roo reject these hens? They are still laying eggs at least sometimes. I don’t think he is even mating them, but can’t be for sure.

 

[nuthatched]

8 is practically geriatric. He might know that old hen are less likely to reproduce , so they aren't worth feeding.

 

[ladybrasa]

I guess … but the three year old isn’t that old, though? Well maybe she’s four at this point. It does make sense, but I don’t recall reading here or on the ‘net about roosters rejecting hens …?

 

[Mattl12]

I guess … but the three year old isn’t that old, though? Well maybe she’s four at this point. It does make sense, but I don’t recall reading here or on the ‘net about roosters rejecting hens …?

A 3yo leghorn for example is "Spent" The roo very likely can tell.

 

[Percheron chick]

He probably wants a little red car too.