Overzealous rooster

[10AcreChick]

Hello all! I have been reading threads on here for advice for a long time. I have only been keeping chickens since spring 2014, and have six 18 month old chickens, nine 4 months, and one eager rooster! The older six chickens are showing signs of being "overworked" by the rooster, with low egg production and missing back feathers. And I don't believe they are quite ready to be molting, by the way, so I don't think it is that. The feather loss is not that extensive. With him not showing interest in the younger chickens, who are integrated happily, I am wondering if I should separate him for a while until they are older and he has more to choose from. Should I, and if I do, will there be a problem with reintroducing him?

Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[Outpost JWB]

I would separate him. I have 5 adult roosters with my main flock. (We have over 100 chickens.) Only one rooster stays in the hen house. The other 4 sleep in a lean to across from the coop. They are with the chickens at free ranging time, but are not with them 24/7. I would keep him in a separate pen though for awhile. Young roosters do sometimes get over aggressive in mating.

There should be no problem reintroducing him to the flock.

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC. Glad you decided to join our flock. X2 on Outpost JWB; definitely separate your rooster from the flock until the 4 month old pullets are old enough for him to mate with. If you haven't done so already, definitely check out our Learning Center at https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center. There is loads of useful information there. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Good luck with your flock.

 

[drumstick diva]

I agree with Michael. Generally a rooster can handle 10 hens, less than that and they will be overbred. When the youngsters are old enough he will have more hens to his harem.

 

[N F C]

Welcome to BYC!

x2 on Outpost JWB's comment to separate for a time. The girls could use a break for a while.

Thanks for joining us, it's nice to have you here!

 

[10AcreChick]

Thanks for all the replies! Sounds like "Hop-along" is going to practice some celibacy for a bit! I have a small pen, about ten square feet of outside area with an inside area for nighttime, that I was using as a brooder for the chicks, that should work perfect. Would that be big enough?

By the way, he is called "Hop-along" because he has a case of bumblefoot. He came to us with it, I think. I have read everything I can find on it, and am not comfortable enough to perform surgery at this time. It gives him a strange strut, but none of the others have contacted it. Anyone know of any medicine to use without surgery? It's a pretty severe case, both legs are swollen. He is otherwise a great rooster, does not chase the kids and is a good hen wrangler.

 

[N F C]

Thanks for all the replies! Sounds like "Hop-along" is going to practice some celibacy for a bit! I have a small pen, about ten square feet of outside area with an inside area for nighttime, that I was using as a brooder for the chicks, that should work perfect. Would that be big enough?

By the way, he is called "Hop-along" because he has a case of bumblefoot. He came to us with it, I think. I have read everything I can find on it, and am not comfortable enough to perform surgery at this time. It gives him a strange strut, but none of the others have contacted it. Anyone know of any medicine to use without surgery? It's a pretty severe case, both legs are swollen. He is otherwise a great rooster, does not chase the kids and is a good hen wrangler.

I think the area you mention sounds good for him.

Bumblefoot can do poor Hop-along in if not treated. I had to do the surgery on a Speckled Sussex earlier this year, and honestly, it was easier than I thought it would be. I wrapped her in a towel, DH held her still and the hard corn thing popped right out with the initial cut. Some ointment and a bandage and she was good to go. You'd never know she had anything wrong with her now. I have to admit though, I had to screw up my nerve to do it. I think it bothered me more than my chicken, lol.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[Michael OShay]

Thanks for all the replies! Sounds like "Hop-along" is going to practice some celibacy for a bit! I have a small pen, about ten square feet of outside area with an inside area for nighttime, that I was using as a brooder for the chicks, that should work perfect. Would that be big enough?

By the way, he is called "Hop-along" because he has a case of bumblefoot. He came to us with it, I think. I have read everything I can find on it, and am not comfortable enough to perform surgery at this time. It gives him a strange strut, but none of the others have contacted it. Anyone know of any medicine to use without surgery? It's a pretty severe case, both legs are swollen. He is otherwise a great rooster, does not chase the kids and is a good hen wrangler.

You're welcome. I know I'm showing my age now, but is Hop-along by any chance named after Hop-along Cassidy.? )

 

[trailrider330]

Welcome to the BYC flock! We are glad you joined us!