roo not sharing treats

[cheri222]

I have gotten into the habit of taking leftover oatmeal and blueberries or apples out to the coop after everyone leaves for school. I noticed the other day that the silkie roo only allows the 2 lf cochins and himself to eat the treat. I have 5 other girls that I am now giving a bowl of treats to in the coop. There are 2 ee, 2 silkies and a ws. The cochins are not the top hens, the ws is. They also all brooded together except the silkies. No one is laying yet either. Just curious why he would single those two out.

 

[gritsar]

I'm guessing he's a young roo? As they get older and the pullets start all laying, the roo learns that he can get more flies with honey (sharing treats) than vinegar.

 

[pgpoultry]

I've just had a change in who is alpha male in my mob. My large Dark Brahma was alpha, but a Red Pyle has grown bigger and thicker set and clearly has become alpha as he is now the only one crowing.

Trouble is he is a terrible glutton and pecks at anybody who comes near him when food is about until he he as had his fill. I think I'll need to catch him up and carry him around under my arm for a couple of days...except he is so heavy I don't think I can do this for long,

He doesn't seem to be mating with any of the girls at the moment and is moulting, so it may be he is just feeling bad tempered.

I think that young roos have to get used to the sharing principle and they usually settle down, whereas mine is old enough to know better.

Sandie