Rooster and hens

[Frampton]

I have a funny question. My mother hen Sue, had 3 chicks survive a hatch last Sept. It turns out she had 2 hens and 1 rooster. I went out one morning and Sue was sitting on about 10 eggs! She did get up and move so my assumption was she had just been laying or something. But what if they do get fertilized by the roo? He is related to all of them so it seems weird to me, but is this normal chicken behavior? I know some of the neighbours have chickens so I was thinking of maybe asking if they would like to trade my roo for one of theirs. But I kind of don't want to lose him given the history.

 

[bobbi-j]

This is normal chicken behavior. They aren't able to grasp the concept that they are "related". The rooster sees hens and does his job. From what I've read you can cross-, in-, or line-breed (not sure which is the proper term here) for several generations before you run into trouble. If he's a good rooster, doesn't give you any trouble, and behaves himself, I'd hang on to him

 

[Frampton]

He was good with me up until 2 days ago when he jumped at me twice. I had an huge black austrolop that used to be extremely aggressive, I didn't know how to deal so basically I stayed away from him as much as possible. I hope this new guy stays nice, I don't like the rough behavior around my kids.

 

[aart]

He was good with me up until 2 days ago when he jumped at me twice. I had an huge black austrolop that used to be extremely aggressive, I didn't know how to deal so basically I stayed away from him as much as possible. I hope this new guy stays nice, I don't like the rough behavior around my kids.

That's not nice.

 

[Frampton]

I just went out to gather eggs and Sue was sitting on what has become a sizable clutch (10 or more). I walked around and opened the coop door to the chicken yard, when I came back around she was outside, but one of her brood was then sitting on the eggs. Is it just coincidence or will they all tend the eggs like that if they are fertile?

 

[Frampton]

Also the rooster is becoming even more aggressive, would that just be him protect eggs and hens?