Roos using combs as mounting grips?

[khatar]

Is it common for roos to grip a hen's comb when they are being mounted? I have never heard of this before and my roo does it all the time...and it's not going well!

For a horrible incident that occurred because of this, go here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=614148

 

[khatar]

Well?

 

[gryeyes]

Yes, it can be common. Many of my cockerels do this, but the "gentlemen" roos do not; instead, they grab the feathers behind the hen's comb, on the back of her head.

I didn't view the video. I know combs can bleed A LOT. And chickens will peck at injuries.

 

[redhd077]

It happens to my leg horns too. Not quite as bad as yours but still blood. i think its because they have such big combs.

 

[khatar]

Quote:
It's not a video, it's actually another thread.

Yeah, my roo does grab feathers on the other hens, just not this one. In fact he gave his sister a bald spot because of this!

One time, before he used the comb as a grip, he used neck feathers on the hen he injured. He accidentally fell off and ended up ripping out some feathers, maybe he found it easier to grab the comb?

 

[StormyMoon]

I think some usually younger roos get so excited about doing the doo that they grab anything, but older roos will do it also. Some times it just happens so fast its the easiest way they can grab on. I have watched mine and they dont even care how or where they step on the hen.

Whats more funny is times that they accidentally do it backwards the hen looks back at him like you Idiot ........lol

If looks could kill ....

 

[khatar]

I think some usually younger roos get so excited about doing the doo that they grab anything, but older roos will do it also. Some times it just happens so fast its the easiest way they can grab on. I have watched mine and they dont even care how or where they step on the hen.

Whats more funny is times that they accidentally do it backwards the hen looks back at him like you Idiot ........lol

If looks could kill ....

HAHA, yeah my roo didn't get how to do it at first either. He got beat up A LOT when he was first learning...