Rooster attacking hen..what to do?

[Crazyhenchicky]

I know this might sound like a stupid question, but is there anything that can be done? I have a free range flock of 11 hens that have the run of a 15 acre horse farm, I didn't ask for the stupid roo! He was given to the horse farm next door, took him a month to figure out there was a whole bunch of hens across the driveway! He hasn't left since, of course. He's an ugly leghorn who was a little aggressive toward us but is really a big puss, so he's not intimidating. Over the past few weeks he's been attacking my large Delaware hen relentlessly. Now the other hens are picking on her too. Brought her home tonight to recoup. I don't understand what had changed. He's lived in the flock for many months without an issue. Why is he going after her all of a sudden? Anything I can do short of getting rid of him permanently?

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

She might be sick. Check her out...see if she has mites/lice or signs of illness.

 

[Crazyhenchicky]

she seems to be quite healthy. All my girls are. I'm just at a loss add to why he started this all of a sudden. I thought maybe he feels challenged by her for some reason. She's the largest bird there next to him.

 

[Mrs. K]

I have one my rooster does not seem to like, gives her pecks, and chases her off, but what is weird, is at night, she cuddles with him on the roost???? I think he is color blind in the dark!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I have one my rooster does not seem to like, gives her pecks, and chases her off, but what is weird, is at night, she cuddles with him on the roost???? I think he is color blind in the dark!

Sounds like quite the soap opera at your house too then!

Sorry OP I don't know what to tell you. If he continues being a meanie you can always resort to pinless peepers for the perpetrators (chicken blinders). They work for some people.

 

[tadpole98]

Is she crippled? My cochin is crippled as of two years ago because some stupid animal decided to bite half her leg off. now she is the most picked on girl. I have had to separate her several times to let her recover from 'overroostering'. just a thought.
if she is healthy, and you are sure, i would cull. (the rooster) never keep a mean rooster around.

 

[shmccarthy]

I'd catch the rooster (somehow) and get rid of it.

 

[Crazyhenchicky]

she's not Crippled. She's a big healthy girl, besides the injuries she's received from him. funny part is I have one Americana hen who is handicapped. She's missing one foot and half the toes on the foot she does have. She's was given to me that way. He doesn't mind her at all and the other hens don't bother her either. This one I have at home now has always been there and he didn't start picking on her till a few weeks ago. Never a problem before! Frustrating! I guess he'll have to go! Thanks everyone!

 

[Crazyhenchicky]

I

I have one my rooster does not seem to like, gives her pecks, and chases her off, but what is weird, is at night, she cuddles with him on the roost???? I think he is color blind in the dark!

I believe chickens are night blind so he's clueless in the dark!