jamilan
In the Brooder
- Apr 29, 2017
- 6
- 3
- 31
Hello everyone! I have 4 hens and one rooster. 3 hens are 3 years, one 2 years, and the rooster is 9 months. The two year old hen is the dominant of the hens and when the rooster tries to mount another hen, she attacks the head of the hen he’s mounting. It almost seems like a gang-rape! Jealousy? Is this normal?
Recently, the rooster has pursued one hen in particular who is the most timid and between him and the dominant hen, I’m afraid they are going to hurt her. The last few days, I’ve allowed her to free range the whole yard so she has some peace, but if she’s in the coop, she hides in a nesting box. I just received a chicken saddle today and am hoping that will help, but I’m still concerned about them pecking at her head which I witnessed today. It seemed pretty viscious!
I hate to get rid of the dominant hen because she is the youngest and is a really good layer. We’ve had extremely hot days she still lays every day like a champ.
I considered adding another small coop and separating them for now, but my husband thinks reintroducing them at another time will be a problem.
Any thoughts or tips would be greatly appreciated!
Recently, the rooster has pursued one hen in particular who is the most timid and between him and the dominant hen, I’m afraid they are going to hurt her. The last few days, I’ve allowed her to free range the whole yard so she has some peace, but if she’s in the coop, she hides in a nesting box. I just received a chicken saddle today and am hoping that will help, but I’m still concerned about them pecking at her head which I witnessed today. It seemed pretty viscious!
I hate to get rid of the dominant hen because she is the youngest and is a really good layer. We’ve had extremely hot days she still lays every day like a champ.
I considered adding another small coop and separating them for now, but my husband thinks reintroducing them at another time will be a problem.
Any thoughts or tips would be greatly appreciated!