Question about fighting.

[CTBman84]

I have 2 Rhode Island Reds, and 2 Australorp that are 11 weeks old. Today, one of the Australorps whow seems to be at the head of the pecking order went after one of the RIR, who we think might be a roo, though we ordered all hens. Once the Australorp went after the RIR, the other two jumped in, cornering the RIR. I split it up, and 10 minutes later the Australorp went after the same ROR, and a huge fight broke out, and they wouldn't stop. I took the Australorp out and let her wander the back yard. I later put her back right before, and all seemed calm. She was just laying in some dirt, when all of a sudden, the RIR who I suspect is a roo, stepped on the Australorp's back and bit the back of her neck. She got up and he continued. I split it up and then stopped for the night.

Any advice on what I should do?

Thanks

 

[GitaBooks]

It sounds like pecking order issues. They can get pretty vicious, believe me, but as long as they are all eating, drinking, and there is no blood-shed or bad stress, breaking it up should be enough. However, the sign of biting the neck and stepping on the back is the beginnings of a rooster attempting to breed with a hen, which could be what is causing the arguments.

I hope this helps. Best of luck!

 

[Toddrick]

Yea, it sounds like the cockerel is starting to try and mate, but his advances are unwelcome. Pics would help clear that up.

Production Reds are not known for being docile (especially the males), but Australorps are a larger breed, so I'm not sure who would come out on top in the pecking order if it was between hens. Of course, once a cockerel comes of age he should take over for the most part.

Funny story... I kept the Beta cockerel from last year's hatch. He was about 8 weeks old when he first met my 2yo hen, Ruby Red. He puffed up to chest thump her, and she just pecked him right on the head, which resulted in a screach and him running to hide. Now Ruby still sits on the top pirch, and every time he thinks about mating her she chases him around the yard. They kinda lead my small flock together in some strange truce.

 

[donrae]

How much space do they have?