Roo Issues. Please help! I do not want it to get worse!

[bobbi-j]

Um... why are you keeping a roo that you say is dangerous? And, why do you have any roos at all? Your abnormal roo, the one who is "dangerous" should not be allowed to play in the gene pool anyways. I'd get rid of him, and maybe the other one also.

These were my thoughts, too. Are you planning on breeding? If so, you don't want your abnormal one breeding your hens anyway. He could pass on both his physical and temperamental traits to his offspring. If you're not planning on breeding, you would be doing your hens a favor by getting rid of him. It's not fair to them to stress them out with his aggressive behavior, plus the two roosters fighting for dominance by gang-breeding them. I would not want to cause that much stress for my hens. I tend to keep or get rid of chickens for the good of the whole flock, not just the needs of one bird. I just made the decision tonight that when butchering day comes, I have a bully hen that I've had for 3 years that will be on that list. I've seen her attack another chicken just out of the blue, more than once. She needs to go to keep peace and harmony in my flock.

 

[getaclue]

The reason I suggested training the Polish, is due to his age, and it's typical for them to have more hormones, than good sense at that age. Usually, they outgrow it, and with a little training, turn out fine. While I understand that is not always the case, it tends to be more typical at that age.

 

[RoostersAreAwesome]

One of my roosters, Griffin, was starting to act aggressive toward me (doing the challenge stance, puffing up when I came near), so heres what I did: Anytime I saw him mating a hen, I came up and pushed him off, than chased him away. I also stood by the hens while they ate, and chased him away anytime he came into the coop while I was there and the hens were eating. Anytime I saw him do the challenge stance at me, I ran at him, and chased him around. Now Griffin NEVER even LOOKS at me funny, but it might be harder for you since your rooster is already aggressive and he is bigger than Griffin (Griffin is medium sized).

Good luck! I think that many people just don't try hard enough with their aggressive roosters.... Just act really confident and "rooster like" toward him.

 

[Chickensfan]

Hello,
Thank you all for your help, but yesterday, they found a way to get out of the coop and almost attacked a five year old. I am getting rid of them both after this. I also yesterday lost 2 of my hens, one of which was my favorite hen. I found a trail of feathers, and then I found the body, coated in blood, half eaten, and dead.
I am replacing them and my roosters with four new polish hens.
Thank you all so much for the help you have given me,
Marie

 

[bobbi-j]

Hello,
Thank you all for your help, but yesterday, they found a way to get out of the coop and almost attacked a five year old. I am getting rid of them both after this. I also yesterday lost 2 of my hens, one of which was my favorite hen. I found a trail of feathers, and then I found the body, coated in blood, half eaten, and dead.
I am replacing them and my roosters with four new polish hens.
Thank you all so much for the help you have given me,
Marie

Sounds like a good solution. I'm sorry you had such a bad experience with your roosters. A good rooster is a pleasure to have around - one that shares goodies with the hens, watches over the baby chicks when mama needs a dust bath, alarms when needed and most of all, is not aggressive to humans. A lead hen will keep an eye out for predators and alarm if she sees any, so I think you'll be good there. Sorry to hear about the hens you lost.

 

[Chickensfan]

Sounds like a good solution. I'm sorry you had such a bad experience with your roosters. A good rooster is a pleasure to have around - one that shares goodies with the hens, watches over the baby chicks when mama needs a dust bath, alarms when needed and most of all, is not aggressive to humans. A lead hen will keep an eye out for predators and alarm if she sees any, so I think you'll be good there. Sorry to hear about the hens you lost.

Thank you!

 

[TheKindaFarmGal]

Sorry you lost your hens! Getting rid of them sounds wise, though. Like Bobbi-j said, a good roo is a pleasure to have around, so I hope these guys don't scare you off from cocks in the future.

 

[Chickensfan]

Sorry you lost your hens! Getting rid of them sounds wise, though. Like Bobbi-j said, a good roo is a pleasure to have around, so I hope these guys don't scare you off from cocks in the future.

Yes, it was tough losing those hens. They were lovely while they were around. I still love roosters and cocks no matter what! They are amazing!
The good news is that I can get some new breeds of hens!
Thanks,
Marie

 

[Chickensfan]

I wonder which of my hens will become the lead....Is it the highest in the pecking order or is it the largest in size?
I have a hen who is bigger then the rest and is at the top of the pecking order (the roos helped her get there)...Will she be the lead hen?
Here she is....

My pretty barred rock lady.
Marie

 

[bobbi-j]

Hard to say. When you add or subtract birds, it shakes up the pecking order. It will be interesting to know how it all works out.