Please help

[mando4mary74]

I posted a similar problem but it's changed and I need advice! We integrated a rooster with our hens a couple of weeks ago. All went great with all but one hen. She acted like she was being hunted for murder every time he came even close. She would hide in the coop and run like mad when he wanted to court her. He danced for her, gave her food, and even just started leaving her be. Well today all that changed. He saw her under the coop and made his move. It was the first time he mounted her. She was beyond devestated. She has been in the coop ever since looking all violated and upset. Will things change now that he mounted her or will they just get worse? Thanks so much....

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Hopefully things will improve. I would stay out of it. Sounds like your rooster is doing all the right things. Some take a while to warm up to a new member, especially a rooster.

 

[mando4mary74]

Thanks so much everyone. She was indeed the alpha hen. He was the 3rd rooster we tried and the only one she didn't attack! I'm just hoping things settle down soon. They're making me stress out ha ha. Again, thanks. I feel better now!!!!

 

[Chickassan]

Aww she's fine, she isn't nearly as violated as she looks. It is more likely she's just stewing over the fact she just got a new boss man. It will all be fine.

 

[strawberricatt]

As longs as the rooster isn't hurting her (Drawing blood, pulling substantial amounts of feathers) she should be fine. Often if a hen was the Alpha(top hen) of the flock, she'll take a while to warm up to a new flock member, especially a rooster, as he dominates over her in the flock. Someone on BYC(or the BYC facebook page, I can't remember) actually butchered their new rooster after he chased the hens(in an attempt to mate with them) only to later learn that he wasn't bullying the hens, he was just doing his job.
Make sure there are plenty of places in the coop and run for her to hide, whilst she gets used to the new addition.

 

[Chickassan]

Yeah, she's stewing.

Thanks so much everyone. She was indeed the alpha hen. He was the 3rd rooster we tried and the only one she didn't attack! I'm just hoping things settle down soon. They're making me stress out ha ha. Again, thanks. I feel better now!!!!

 

[alexa009]

Be lucky things didn't turn out worse. When I introduced my Black Copper Maran rooster into the flock he was immediately attacked by my other hens. He was going crazy trying to find his way out.

 

[Chickassan]

Wow turned him into a Manwich did they?

Be lucky things didn't turn out worse. When I introduced my Black Copper Maran rooster into the flock he was immediately attacked by my other hens. He was going crazy trying to find his way out.

 

[alexa009]

Wow turned him into a Manwich did they?

Yes, and the hens are so much smaller!