Questions about teen rooster

[Viksceeks]

I have a rooster that I believe was hatched out in late February/March
He's been recently chasing the other pullets around (same age/not laying yet)
He hasn't mated with any yet or started crowing
Any idea when that will start happening?
Also, my older hens are not too keen with him but he hangs out with them often. I'm hoping to get some chicks but idk if they will let him do his thing

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I'm hoping to get some chicks but idk if they will let him do his thing

Let him mature. The older ladies will teach him some manners. Then he has to prove himself worthy to them.

I don't like the chasing of pullets, so I let all my boys mature in a grow out pen before they get to try and spread their seed.

Just give it time.

 

[Viksceeks]

Let him mature. The older ladies will teach him some manners. Then he has to prove himself worthy to them.

I don't like the chasing of pullets, so I let all my boys mature in a grow out pen before they get to try and spread their seed.

Just give it time.

So do you suggest I separate him for the time being? They're all free range but I lock them all up in a coop at night

 

[EggSighted4Life]

So do you suggest I separate him for the time being? They're all free range but I lock them all up in a coop at night

If it's stressing you or the hens out... temporary separation is a good alternative to the freezer while his hormones calm down a bit.

Leaving them together MIGHT get it over with faster. He essentially needs to show them he can dominate... but should be calling them to treats and dropping his wing in a little dance and serenade to win them over. If he doesn't do any of that and just chases too much, separation could definitely help teach him cuz they will treat call like crazy to get the ladies to come close by him.

Each animal and situation is unique, so you must do what you think will work for you. And if it isn't, then switch it up. Some times it's trial and error.

 

[Viksceeks]

If it's stressing you or the hens out... temporary separation is a good alternative to the freezer while his hormones calm down a bit.



Leaving them together MIGHT get it over with faster. He essentially needs to show them he can dominate... but should be calling them to treats and dropping his wing in a little dance and serenade to win them over. If he doesn't do any of that and just chases too much, separation could definitely help teach him cuz they will treat call like crazy to get the ladies to come close by him.

Each animal and situation is unique, so you must do what you think will work for you. And if it isn't, then switch it up. Some times it's trial and error.

Thank you for getting back to me! He's starting to show signs of aggression, I was contemplating locking him in the coop with my dominant hen to show him some manners. He's pretty scared of her still

 

[aart]

It's a fine line between chasing and harassment that needs intervention.
As long as you have plenty of space, places for the pullets to get away from the cockerel, he's not pinning them down and beating the hell out of them, and they get to eat and drink in peace.....let them work it out. It's tumultuous time, can be hard to watch, but best not to interfere unless absolutely necessary.

 

[MROO]

Can you separate the pullets with just a hardware cloth barrier for a month or so? That way, the younger girls get a break, while he can stay with the hens. The "grown-ups," can teach him his place and his manners, but all of the girls can still see each other, so there shouldn't be any stress when they all go back into a single flock again.

 

[Viksceeks]

It's a fine line between chasing and harassment that needs intervention.
As long as you have plenty of space, places for the pullets to get away from the cockerel, he's not pinning them down and beating the hell out of them, and they get to eat and drink in peace.....let them work it out. It's tumultuous time, can be hard to watch, but best not to interfere unless absolutely necessary.

I just fear he will end up being aggressive towards us since he's being a pill with the pullets. I have a 3yr old that loves the chickens, he's the only one that can carry around the hens like babies. I don't want the rooster to see him as a threat.
They free range except at night on a half acre so there is plenty of spots I think they can get away from him

 

[Viksceeks]

Can you separate the pullets with just a hardware cloth barrier for a month or so? That way, the younger girls get a break, while he can stay with the hens. The "grown-ups," can teach him his place and his manners, but all of the girls can still see each other, so there shouldn't be any stress when they all go back into a single flock again.

I could do that but I have to lock them all in the coop every night. Wouldn't that defeat the purpose?

 

[aart]

I just fear he will end up being aggressive towards us since he's being a pill with the pullets. I have a 3yr old that loves the chickens, he's the only one that can carry around the hens like babies. I don't want the rooster to see him as a threat.
They free range except at night on a half acre so there is plenty of spots I think they can get away from him

Cock/erel behavior towards other chickens is one thing,
their behavior towards humans is another.

Unless your 3yo child is an incredible chicken whisperer,
there's a very good chance the child will be injured by the cockerel.
If I had a 3yo child around I would not have male chicken around.
I just cringe at the thought of those precious childs eyes being damaged.
Even handling hens could be a bad idea, eyes are shiny and beaks are sharp.