I have a mixed breed rooster, 1 /1/4 yrs old who is with two hens he's been with for a year, two he's been with for about four months and nine 4 month old pullets.
Alexander was fine with everyone, except one BO in my original flock who was killed by a dog, replaced with another BO whom the rooster picked on, so we traded her for another BO who was fine for about two months, but now he is attacking her.
He mounts all the hens, but the BO he attacks around the head as she's squatting. She doesn't fight back (sometimes the other hens simply walk out from under him), but does run from him.
I separated her today, thinking she might be broody and when she saw Alexander she acted terrified until she realized he couldn't get to her, but then she wanted to get out out the broody pen later and when she squatted for him, he began pecking her head. She's now roosting with the babes and Alexander and the other three hens are in another coop. I'll keep them separated while I'm at work tomorrow, although he has been getting along well with everyone except the BO.
Should I return the BO (Penelope) to her original home and not get another one?
Should I send Alexander (he's quite large, white with grey/black markings and feathered legs and is usually quite nice to the hens and I've never had a problem with him) to someone who wants a free-range rooster?
Do I run the risk of having a similar problem with another rooster? I do want a rooster.
Alexander was fine with everyone, except one BO in my original flock who was killed by a dog, replaced with another BO whom the rooster picked on, so we traded her for another BO who was fine for about two months, but now he is attacking her.
He mounts all the hens, but the BO he attacks around the head as she's squatting. She doesn't fight back (sometimes the other hens simply walk out from under him), but does run from him.
I separated her today, thinking she might be broody and when she saw Alexander she acted terrified until she realized he couldn't get to her, but then she wanted to get out out the broody pen later and when she squatted for him, he began pecking her head. She's now roosting with the babes and Alexander and the other three hens are in another coop. I'll keep them separated while I'm at work tomorrow, although he has been getting along well with everyone except the BO.
Should I return the BO (Penelope) to her original home and not get another one?
Should I send Alexander (he's quite large, white with grey/black markings and feathered legs and is usually quite nice to the hens and I've never had a problem with him) to someone who wants a free-range rooster?
Do I run the risk of having a similar problem with another rooster? I do want a rooster.