Roo getting dominated by hens - too many?

[Stonerowfarm]

I have about 25 hens, and one RIR rooster. The hens are about half 2-year-olds and half one-year olds. The Roo is one-year old. They have all been together since late summer/early fall. I have noticed more and more that the hens are bullying the roo. I haven't seen him mount a hen in a while and this morning I noticed two of the hens cornered him and another one chased him out of the coop.

Do I have too many hens for the roo to accomodate or have the older girls just beaten his little spirit. Any suggestions are appreciated. He is just such a pretty boy I hate to see him cowered.

 

[joedie]

I also have 25 hens and 1 roo. They don't give him any backtalk and he's a nice guy! But, tmy girls are only about 2 months older than he is so I don't know if that makes a difference.

 

[Roy]

I have 31 hens and 1 Roo, I think that he just needs some time, should be taking charge before long...

 

[skittle]

i belive an avarage roo can cover a good 10+girls and haveing 25 shuldent be a problem our 2 roos cover about 50 hens /bantams and thay dont have a problem with being bullying

however i do have a small flock thats just mine (not the yards)and i introduced a new male last year he was bullyed by one hen for some time then he had enoth a lil fight went out between the 2 and now hes top dog
maybe ur roo just needs a lil time to front the girls up...and come into his place as top dog

 

[Stonerowfarm]

The strange part was that he used to be 'top dog' but in the last couple months he just seems to get beaten down a bit. He also used to crow and now he just kind of chuckles.

I just don't know if I should get another roo or let him free-range with Ginger (a hen who isn't allowed in the flock) or what.

 

[dawg53]

You have a blessing in disguise! I've had to give away aggressive roosters because they severely injured my hens. I had to buy chicken saddles to protect my girls. I agree with the other posters, give your roo some time and soon he'll be the top dog. My current roo, a salmon faverolle,treats the hens very well. He's a keeper.

 

[jeslewmazer]

You could try to take him out for about a week so the hens forget about him and let him get cocky again. Then see what happens. If he can't stay on top then a replacement would be best. And if not Ginger probably would not mind a mate.