Rooster aggression on a specific hen

[BarnGoddess01]

It can be VERY upleasant watching a young cockerel "learn the ropes" so to speak. I find they are often overly aggressive, many times because the ladies aren't submitting to him yet, and also because although his instincts and hormones are kicking in - he's not entirely sure what he's supposed to be doing. I generally try not to watch and just make sure nobody is really getting hurt. I have found all of mine get it figured out within a month or two.

 

[Den in Penn]

The hope is he is just inexperienced and will get better with age.

 

[Life is Good!]

His 'running in place' is his 'dance' or 'wooing' of the pullet. If she submits, she should squat for him. If she doesn't, he'll try by force.

If your pullets are the same age as he is, they too are simply trying to figure out what's happening. Give them some time.

If he protects the girls from intruders - knows you are boss and feeder and lets you alone - tries to 'feed' the girls or call them over when treats are presented (i.e. showing them where a tasty tid-bit is at and offering it to them), he's a keeper. If not, dumplings anyone?!

 

[TonySorrento]

It can be VERY upleasant watching a young cockerel "learn the ropes" so to speak. I find they are often overly aggressive, many times because the ladies aren't submitting to him yet, and also because although his instincts and hormones are kicking in - he's not entirely sure what he's supposed to be doing. I generally try not to watch and just make sure nobody is really getting hurt. I have found all of mine get it figured out within a month or two.

Yeah .. well now that I know that's what is going on and he is not just being a jerk .... I just hope it is less than 2 months

The hope is he is just inexperienced and will get better with age.

Me too ....

His 'running in place' is his 'dance' or 'wooing' of the pullet. If she submits, she should squat for him. If she doesn't, he'll try by force.

If your pullets are the same age as he is, they too are simply trying to figure out what's happening. Give them some time.

If he protects the girls from intruders - knows you are boss and feeder and lets you alone - tries to 'feed' the girls or call them over when treats are presented (i.e. showing them where a tasty tid-bit is at and offering it to them), he's a keeper. If not, dumplings anyone?!

He protects from intruders, knows i am the boss and feeder, leaves me alone and gives out the "c'mere ladies! Look what I found for ya!" gobble when he finds a bug ... so it sounds like he is a good one

 

[TonySorrento]

So he is hooking up with many of the girls frequently now .... most of the time it is quick and quiet ... is it supposed to be about 10 seconds?

I am fighting saying all sorts of jokes at this point ...

 

[BarnGoddess01]

So he is hooking up with many of the girls frequently now .... most of the time it is quick and quiet ... is it supposed to be about 10 seconds?

I am fighting saying all sorts of jokes at this point ...

Sounds about right but if the girls give him grief he might hold them down a little longer just to let them know how it's going to be .... I REALLY figure the best policy is - don't watch. Sometimes I just want to kick the boys clear across the yard!!!!

 

[TonySorrento]

Quote:
Sounds about right but if the girls give him grief he might hold them down a little longer just to let them know how it's going to be .... I REALLY figure the best policy is - don't watch. Sometimes I just want to kick the boys clear across the yard!!!!

I heard that! But then they are so cute when they call the girls over when he finds something to eat ... my submissive roo actually handed a hen a piece of grass which she took and ate ... TOO CUTE!

 

[BarnGoddess01]

Quote: I heard that! But then they are so cute when they call the girls over when he finds something to eat ... my submissive roo actually handed a hen a piece of grass which she took and ate ... TOO CUTE!

I'm twice divorced. I'm one of those old hens that figures that attractive piece of grass comes with a HUGE price!!!

 

[TonySorrento]

I'm twice divorced. I'm one of those old hens that figures that attractive piece of grass comes with a HUGE price!!!

You are so right! The dominant rooster will use goodie time to pounce on an unsuspecting hen ..... so he calls them all over with a "Come her, girls! I found some yummies!!!!" and when they bend down to get it, he gets it ... stinking men

 

[bj taylor]

i've got four roosters and five girls. my numbers are way off. three of the four are going to have to go. they all have just started figuring this mating game out. three of them actually aren't too bad. one is brutal though. he's the smallest & lowest on the totem pole. i'd like to get a little more meat on him before he goes in the pot, but i'm not going to subject my girls to a mob of teenage guys.