Rooster aggressive towards new hen

[Kayalei]

So I have this cochin banty I've had for about 3 years now. I raised him from a chick and he's been nothing but sweet and gentle and has excepted every new hen for about 3 gens of chickens. But yesterday my neighbour gave me a new hen after the rest of his were eaten by raccoons. I introduced her to the flock at night while the rest were sleeping and everything went smoothly. But this morning I came out to feed them to see my loving little roo attacking her like she was a threat. She's way bigger than him so she ended up getting the upper hand and that's when I intervened. I put her away in the coop and he immediately started jumping at the chickenwire with his neck feathers raised and his head stuck out. I dont understand why he suddenly feels so threatened by this hen when he's never done so before. It's really worrying but if the problem persists im going to have to give away the hen because I dont want my baby stressed out like this. Any insight would be so appreciated im so confused right now!

 

[Perris]

hello @Kayalei - welcome to BYC

It would seem a slower integration process is called for with this bird; if you can put her somewhere where they can all see each other but not get to each other for a couple of weeks, you may find he accepts her afterwards.

 

[Hei 20]

So I have this cochin banty I've had for about 3 years now. I raised him from a chick and he's been nothing but sweet and gentle and has excepted every new hen for about 3 gens of chickens. But yesterday my neighbour gave me a new hen after the rest of his were eaten by raccoons. I introduced her to the flock at night while the rest were sleeping and everything went smoothly. But this morning I came out to feed them to see my loving little roo attacking her like she was a threat. She's way bigger than him so she ended up getting the upper hand and that's when I intervened. I put her away in the coop and he immediately started jumping at the chickenwire with his neck feathers raised and his head stuck out. I dont understand why he suddenly feels so threatened by this hen when he's never done so before. It's really worrying but if the problem persists im going to have to give away the hen because I dont want my baby stressed out like this. Any insight would be so appreciated im so confused right now!

Maybe where she came from, she was used to being in charge and she think she can still do that at your place. But your sweet rooster is not having it.

 

[Kayalei]

hello @Kayalei - welcome to BYC

It would seem a slower integration process is called for with this bird; if you can put her somewhere where they can all see each other but not get to each other for a couple of weeks, you may find he accepts her afterwards.

I kept her in the coop/run all day so she was still able to see everyone and spend time in the grass but they couldn't go after each other. I removed him from the yard to spend some time together since he loves cuddling and attention. Just gave them both some time to themselves and then reintroduced them at night when the rest of the flock were sleeping up in the hen house. There was a bit of squawking but nothing physical. This morning my roo was doing his usual business leading the hens around for food and she was off doing her own thing in another part of the yard. But no fighting! I think this is good progress?

 

[Perris]

I kept her in the coop/run all day so she was still able to see everyone and spend time in the grass but they couldn't go after each other. I removed him from the yard to spend some time together since he loves cuddling and attention. Just gave them both some time to themselves and then reintroduced them at night when the rest of the flock were sleeping up in the hen house. There was a bit of squawking but nothing physical. This morning my roo was doing his usual business leading the hens around for food and she was off doing her own thing in another part of the yard. But no fighting! I think this is good progress?

sounds like it and that you have this! I hope it continues to get better and better

 

[cajuncluckerswla]

I agree with Hei 20. Sounds like she came across as aggressive to him so he meant to show her who was boss. My bantam OE roo gets the same way with the bigger ladies at times.... he's sweet as pie to the other bantams his own size, but the bigger birds give him a Napoleon complex XD