Rooster behavior and hen maturity

[Lilbitchickenkeeper]

So I have 15 hens I grew from chicks they are about 18 weeks tomorrow and two roosters from the same hatch day (they got misidentified). They are all heritage breeds. The roosters are crowing and have now started trying to mount the ladies. I have only seen one success with the rooster The rest of the time they squak and trying to run away while the rooster is biting her neck feathers.

Is this ok and safe for them? Also, could this spur the ladies to mature sooner and start producing eggs sooner? As they are 18 weeks I am switching their feed to the layer feed per the bags directions. Any thoughts?

 

[Harmony Fowl]

Some early mating is normal. A pullet who isn’t very close POL will complain, but both she and the cockerel need practice for their parts. Be wary of too much chasing and/or trapping pullets to mate with them. I’ve seen cockerels team up to do that. That can negatively impact laying and cause lots of stress for the individual bird and the flock. 15 isn’t a bad number for two roosters, but the ladies may be much happier with just one. (Though I also keep two.) I don’t know if the attention from the males spurs development; my observation is that it reflects it. The females who get the males’ attention now are likely to be your first layers. Any not receiving amorous advances may yet be further from maturity.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

May be stressful for them,if you notice any bleeding or the pullets start hiding out Seperate the boys till they all can mature a little more.

 

[aart]

I don’t know if the attention from the males spurs development; my observation is that it reflects it.

This^^^...but......most young cockerels will try to mount anything and everything regardless of laying status, tho some do seem to 'know'.
A good adult cockbird mounting a pullet can be an excellent indicator that she's close to laying.
Multiple males may skew this as the competition and flowing hormones can make them all behave at their worst.

Here's some tips on:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

FYI.....semantics, maybe, but can be important communication terms when discussing chicken behavior.
Female chickens are called pullets until one year of age, then they are called hens.
Male chickens are called cockerels until one year of age, then they are called cocks(or cockbirds or roosters).
Age in weeks or months is always a good thing to note.

 

[Lilbitchickenkeeper]

Thanks for the tip in naming, yeah I wasnt sure how to label them. Thanks!