ROOSTER AFRAID OF HEAD HEN

[pjellen]

I may be jumping the gun on this but I've been concerned for a couple weeks now. I have a flock of 8 hens (5 barred rocks, 3 buff orpingtons) and 1 Favaucana rooster. The BRs are 5 months old. The ORPs are 4.5 months old. The rooster is 5 months old. The rooster was introduced to the flock one month ago. So they are all close in age. Before the roo was included, the BRs had become the dominants of the flock with the ORPs on the lower end. The roo mingled with the ORPs until recently. The dominant BR hen has made it known that she is in charge and although Elliott (the roo) has tried to become #1, he always backs down when she stares at him. He just crowed for the first time today. I saw that the dominant BR immediately ran to him and stared him down to the point that it seemed he actually bowed to her! I believe he is going to be a good roo but I'm just not sure how to proceed with the dominance issue at this point. I thought that maybe I should put Ms. Head Hen in isolation for a week or so and let the pecking order re-establish. I just hate to isolate any of them though. Please advise if you think this is a good plan or should I just wait and see how things turn out over the next few weeks.

 

[sylviethecochin]

Unless she's beating him up, this is actually a good thing. What you have isn't a flock of hens and a rooster, you have pullets and a cockerel. And cockerels have a much higher sex drive than pullets do. Cockerels can be very rough on pullets. If she's keeping him in line, then good on her. If I were you, I'd prefer this situation persist for at least another few months.

 

[Polish Hen House]

Your rooster will become the dominant one, just give him a little time. If he has never lived in a flock before, he might just be getting used to everyone around him.

 

[getaclue]

sylviethecochin is correct.

 

[Abriana]

Roosters are actally not the flock leaders. A hen is the leader. And as a post I read says, it’s good that she keeps him in line. As he gets older he might become more dominant, but for now, as long as she isn’t inflicting wounds or attacking him, this will keep the entire flock happy.

 

[pjellen]

I am so thankful for this forum and those of you who take time out of your day to help those of us who sometimes don't have a clue or just need some simple information. I appreciate ya'lls answers and will continue to enjoy my little chickies.

 

[Peppercorngal]

You have a very smart boy there! I have two "old girls" and added more chicks. I ended up with three roos, even though I wanted NONE! One of the "old girls" I named Myrtle Mae (RIR) is the head of the flock. The roosters would run when she came their way. However, yesterday I found that Myrle Mae has fallen for the smallest Rooster "Elmer", (dark brahma). I caught them spooning in the coop when I went to gather eggs. So, just wanted to say that anything is possible with chickens!!!