Rooster attacking chicks

[CasadasHens]

My normally sweet natured cockerel has given the 3 chicks a peck in the past but now they are 11 weeks old, he is really chasing them, pecking and trying to kick at them. I could understand it if they were cockerels but I am sure one is a hen. They all free range during the day where there is plenty of space for them not to be on top of each other but I have had to separate them away from him when they are penned in for the night. Is this normal behaviour? I am new to chick rearing.

 

[centrarchid]

Pullet or hen would do same. Once cockerel matures he will leave younger birds alone.

 

[CasadasHens]

The cockerel doing the attacking is mature but really has it in for the chicks and chases them to try to get at them. I am sure he would kill one with a kick if he could. The other mature hens just do the usual 'pecking order' routine.... Thanks for your help.

 

[CasadasHens]

The cockerel doing the attacking is mature but really has it in for the chicks and chases them to try to get at them. I am sure he would kill one with a kick if he could. The other mature hens just do the other 'pecking order' routine.... Thanks for your help.

 

[centrarchid]

How old is the cockerel? Your use of that term instead of rooster and especially cock suggests he is not mature.

 

[CasadasHens]

Ah, sorry. Just found out there is a difference in the word 'cockerel' as used in the USA as opposed to UK, so I now realize you use the term rooster to denote a mature bird, not cockerel. So I meant rooster!

 

[centrarchid]

Proper term for mature on both sides of pond is "cock". Cockerel as you noted means juvenile and rooster is vague thus confusing discussion unless age also given. How old is.your male bird?

 

[CasadasHens]

Thanks for clarification. He is around 20 months old.

 

[centrarchid]

If cock still in molt he can be excused, if not then replace the bum. That aside, make certain birds have sufficient room and are in good nutrition; cock and juveniles.

 

[Bullitt]

My normally sweet natured cockerel has given the 3 chicks a peck in the past but now they are 11 weeks old, he is really chasing them, pecking and trying to kick at them. I could understand it if they were cockerels but I am sure one is a hen. They all free range during the day where there is plenty of space for them not to be on top of each other but I have had to separate them away from him when they are penned in for the night. Is this normal behaviour? I am new to chick rearing.

You should not put chicks in a flock of older chickens. You have to wait until the chicks are about the same size as the grown chickens.

If the chicks are raised by a hen, then it is different.