Decided to post this just to show that roosters are quite capable of changing and adapting their behavior as needed (at least this one is) and that the integration a new chicken goes through several stages. About 3 weeks ago I got a new Bantam rooster, allegedly a year old, and put him together with my 4 laying hens and 2 pullets.
First week: The wimp. He behaved like a low-ranking hen, was timid and got pecked and chased away from the food by the hens.
Second week: The sociopath. He went into revenge mode and started pecking everyone else aggressively and grabbing any food for himself, until he was on top of the pecking order and all the others were afraid of him.
End of third week: The gentleman. I suddenly saw him call the hens over to point out treats to them repeatedly. He even let them take food that he was holding up right out of his beak. Seems he's discovered his inner gentleman - I'm glad that went so fast.
First week: The wimp. He behaved like a low-ranking hen, was timid and got pecked and chased away from the food by the hens.
Second week: The sociopath. He went into revenge mode and started pecking everyone else aggressively and grabbing any food for himself, until he was on top of the pecking order and all the others were afraid of him.
End of third week: The gentleman. I suddenly saw him call the hens over to point out treats to them repeatedly. He even let them take food that he was holding up right out of his beak. Seems he's discovered his inner gentleman - I'm glad that went so fast.
