dpnation
Chirping
- Aug 24, 2021
- 25
- 35
- 79
I have some flock dynamics going on and was hoping for input from other poultry keepers.
I have 18 chickens - 2 roosters in that lot. 3 ducks. We have a spacious coop and a separate duck coop with a shared outdoor run. They semi-free range most days behind an electric fence.
Both roosters were surprise roosters (of course!) but we decided to keep them. They are both good boys.
The alpha rooster is an Ameraucana (3 years old). The beta is a silkie (2.5 years old). They coexist - they have space to stay away from each other and there are plenty of hens. The Ameraucana sometimes chases the silkie but they have tolerated each other this whole time.
Recently, I think something has changed with the Ameraucana. He's been harassing the silkie to the point where he's sick with an infection. I've had to break up some chasing a few times, and who knows what's happening when I'm not there. I'm treating the silkie with antibiotics and have them separated. The Ameraucana is still trying to bug the silkie, even from the other side of the fence. My three (female) ducks have stopped laying eggs the last couple weeks - my kids mentioned they saw the Ameraucana chasing the ducks.
I'm wondering if this change in behavior is normal? The Ameraucana has been a good rooster - not aggressive towards humans and generally has been good to the hens. We've had him for 3 years. But I'm not sure what's going on right now and I can't have this dynamic continue in the flock. I would have thought that poor rooster behavior would have been obvious in the first year, but I don't know what's changed recently. Anyone have any experience or insight?
Thank you!
I have 18 chickens - 2 roosters in that lot. 3 ducks. We have a spacious coop and a separate duck coop with a shared outdoor run. They semi-free range most days behind an electric fence.
Both roosters were surprise roosters (of course!) but we decided to keep them. They are both good boys.
The alpha rooster is an Ameraucana (3 years old). The beta is a silkie (2.5 years old). They coexist - they have space to stay away from each other and there are plenty of hens. The Ameraucana sometimes chases the silkie but they have tolerated each other this whole time.
Recently, I think something has changed with the Ameraucana. He's been harassing the silkie to the point where he's sick with an infection. I've had to break up some chasing a few times, and who knows what's happening when I'm not there. I'm treating the silkie with antibiotics and have them separated. The Ameraucana is still trying to bug the silkie, even from the other side of the fence. My three (female) ducks have stopped laying eggs the last couple weeks - my kids mentioned they saw the Ameraucana chasing the ducks.
I'm wondering if this change in behavior is normal? The Ameraucana has been a good rooster - not aggressive towards humans and generally has been good to the hens. We've had him for 3 years. But I'm not sure what's going on right now and I can't have this dynamic continue in the flock. I would have thought that poor rooster behavior would have been obvious in the first year, but I don't know what's changed recently. Anyone have any experience or insight?
Thank you!
