Rooster behavior

[mommy of two]

I am new to chickens so I don't know what to expect. My roo and 9 hens are all 8 weeks old. I have seen this happen a couple times, my roo will walk up to a hen if she is sitting and try to get on top of her, I assume he is "practicing". But the other day he grabbed the neck feathers of one of my hens and wouldn't let go until I hollered at him! Then he did it today too. He didn't rip any feathers out but she was squaking up a storm! Is this normal behavior of a roo so young!?

 

[hotrodflash]

At that age they have no finesse. Just grab and go.

 

[ohb]

At that age they have no finesse. Just grab and go.

I haven't seen a whole lot of finesse at any age with roosters.

To answer 'mommy of two's question, the grabbing of the feathers seems to be somewhat normal and your hens may be getting off light in that regard. I've seen hens with small bare spots on the backs of their necks. It's not pretty but the girls didn't seem too bothered by it and the feathers grew back as soon as 'lover boy' found a new favorite girl friend. That's just what I've observed and other folks may have had different experiences.

 

[mommy of two]

Half the time the hens turn around and peck him on the head after he does that, it's pretty funny! My roo gets picked on a little bit because he is smaller than the hens! He is a barred rock.

 

[centrarchid]

Eight weeks is too young for even play version of mating behavior. Something else is going on. Mine usually 16 weeks before first tries.

 

[ohb]

Eight weeks is too young for even play version of mating behavior. Something else is going on. Mine usually 16 weeks before first tries.

Could be a dominance thing--trying to show who's boss. They will establish a pecking order, no question about that.

 

[rookiefarmers]

My 12 week old roo does attempt to mount some of our girls. He just started doing it and it seemed so young to me! :/

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Sounds like normal behavior to me. I wouldn't worry.

 

[mommy of two]

Thanks every one! He hasn't done it again so hopefully they put him in his place!