Roo new to hens

[Disheygirl]

I have an eight month roo who needs some ladies. But when I put a few in with him, he gets very rough and just jumps on them. No courting, no dancing, just jumps on while they screech and then run away and he chases them. My other roo (different run, a month older) is the opposite.

Is there a right way to introduce hens so that he has manners? If I sneak the hens in at night, is it easier?

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

At that age without an older rooster or hens that will teach him manners (which is a big ask at his age) you might have to separate him until he’s older and mellowed out. You might get different opinions. I have a cockerel roughly the same age who is a complete gent but he was raised in a multi-generational flock. I’ve had a cockerel similar to yours and the hens never warmed up to him and his manners didn’t improve in the time I had him. I had to get rid of him because he was getting attitude with humans so I never got to find out if he would have mellowed out but the hens were noticeably happier without him.

 

[WingItRanch]

I agree. At that age, he's still going through Rooberty. Do you have any old cranky top hens that can "teach" him to behave? If not, you may consider a bachelor pad if you are set on keeping him.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Rooberty

Love it!

 

[WingItRanch]

Love it!

I can't claim credit, unfortunately! I read it here on BYC before. It totally fits, though.

 

[Disheygirl]

Thanks all! My other roo (who was also my first) just kind of grew up a good boy and while he’s also young, never behaved like this. I have a few older hens but they’re all sweet and not fighters.

Sounds like he’s going to be a bachelor for a while!