A couple weeks ago, I saw my roo and lead hen chasing anther hen all over the yard, and just attacking her mercilessly. The roo was not mating her, just pecking and kicking her. The poor girl lost all the feathers from the top of her head and back of neck, and got bloodied comb and other bleeding sores in that area. I could not figure out what the problem was, and I ended up selling her for her own protection.
So, I figured with that hen gone, things would be smooth again, but NO. Next the rooster went after the lead hen (the same one that had been attacking the other hen with him). He goes after her in the same way. Chases her all around until he gets her pinned down, then just attacks her repeatedly (without mating), pulling out her feathers, pecking, kicking, etc. Lets her up, then does it all over again! He has effectively driven her out of the flock.
Why is he doing this?! Is it cannibalistic behavior? Is he "culling" her from the flock for some reason? She is a great hen. Lead hen, very healthy and feisty, and a great layer. I don't understand this roo's behavior! I wish I had not got rid of that first hen that was being attacked, but wish I'd ousted this rooster instead. I am getting rid of him ASAP, but would still like to understand the behavior in case it happens with another roo in the future. I've had several other roosters and never had this problem before.
Thanks in advance!
Shannon
So, I figured with that hen gone, things would be smooth again, but NO. Next the rooster went after the lead hen (the same one that had been attacking the other hen with him). He goes after her in the same way. Chases her all around until he gets her pinned down, then just attacks her repeatedly (without mating), pulling out her feathers, pecking, kicking, etc. Lets her up, then does it all over again! He has effectively driven her out of the flock.
Why is he doing this?! Is it cannibalistic behavior? Is he "culling" her from the flock for some reason? She is a great hen. Lead hen, very healthy and feisty, and a great layer. I don't understand this roo's behavior! I wish I had not got rid of that first hen that was being attacked, but wish I'd ousted this rooster instead. I am getting rid of him ASAP, but would still like to understand the behavior in case it happens with another roo in the future. I've had several other roosters and never had this problem before.
Thanks in advance!
Shannon