rooster bad guy?

[jonezjollyfarm]

we recently got 8 pullets a nice mix about 5 weeks old. A friend of mine offered me this beautiful rooster. we are not sure what kind he is. He came from a farm with lots of chickens and other roosters. When I introduced him to the girls things went well for about 2 hours then he started running up to them and and I guess I'd call it slamming his head down on them. No one was injured just frightened them. Is he establishing his dominance over them or just being a mean guy? I plan in building him his own run so he isn't doing what roosters do. But is it OK to let him in with the girls till they mature?

 

[cluckcluckgirl]

It sounds like he was establishing his dominance and possibly trying to mate. As long as no harm was done to your hens, it should be alright. But if he starts to hurt your hens or over-mate them, then you'll have to separate him.

 

[jonezjollyfarm]

I am afraid to let him in the coop at night. I image coming out in the morning to a blood bath. I think I'm being overly protective of the ladies. But he's so much bigger than they are.

 

[cluckcluckgirl]

If you keep a light on in the coop at night, I suggest turning it off unless you're using it for heat. You could also bring him inside at night until you feel comfortable enough to let him roam around the ladies without supervision.

 

[jonezjollyfarm]

We just have a motion sensor light out in the run to detuer animals. I think he'll be fine after an adjustment period.

 

[cluckcluckgirl]

With the light, I meant so that the rooster couldn't see as well. Sorry for the confusion.