Questions on hens and roosters as they mature

[lablover]

I have 5 hens and a rooster that are 3.5-4 months old. The rooster (production red mix) was a pet as a chick, and has always seemed to be very nice. He's just starting to crow in the mornings, and I figure that if he's not acting mean by now, then it's pretty safe to say that he will be well mannered and not mean. I've read that they need to be a little afraid of people, and I think I've got that covered since I have to scare the flock out from under the carport several times a day. I can't just reach down and pick him up, but if it's treat time, or he's in the coop, I can pick him up and he's just as fine with it as he's ever been. He does get close to me when the hens scream when I pick them up though. Also, tonight he grabbed a hen between the wings. Is he getting ready to start mating? Is it too soon to know if he will turn mean or not? And when do I need to clip his nails?

With the hens, (3 EE's and 2 red sex links) when will they start laying. One is developing wattles, and 3 of them are getting red in the face. When do I need to put hay in the nest box? Do I change to layer feed after the first egg? What if some of the hens aren't laying yet?

 

[goldfinches]

Wow, lots of questions. I can answer some of them.

If your roo is just starting to crow and mate, which is what his grabbing the hen sounds like, he's not quite at the stage that mine turned mean . I estimate about 17 weeks at least. Just keep an eye out, hopefully he'll stay nice. It's normal for him to get near his hens when they're alarmed, it's a good trait.

Why are you going to cut his nails?

I would think your RSL's will lay soon. Watch them for squatting. Put hay in when you find an egg, also switch the food then.

Congratulations on doing so well!

 

[lablover]

Thanks!

I read somewhere on here that some people clip the rooster's nails. I just assumed that it was a normal thing to do. I wish there was something I could do to help keep him nice. (These are my first chickens) He's so funny at feeding time. Once he hears me get the food, he gets the girls together and they all follow me around like dogs.