Rooster being mean to hens

[eggbert420]

When he gets spurs it hurts worse. I've had some draw blood on my legs. They were delicious with a little salt and pepper.

 

[chicksducks1]

I have no issues with him being aggressive to me, I figure at least he's willing to protect his ladies. I just stay on my toes with him. I find it slightly funny since I'm use to working with cows and horses, when they try to be dominate it's a whole different story haha! What bothers me is that he's not very nice to the ladies. Do you think he's still just trying to assert dominance since he still sort of new? Will it change once there are more hens?

 

[eggbert420]

Once the ladies realize who the boss is. He shouldn't have to be such a jerk anymore.

 

[chicksducks1]

We have quite the love hate relationship. Like he calls out every time there's a hawk around and moves all the girls to safety then chases them off and tries to attack me. I'm not sure if I'm in a losing battle and should just find another roo or not.

 

[eggbert420]

As long as you can put up with him keep him. If you have small children get rid of him before he hurts one.

 

[chicksducks1]

As long as you can put up with him keep him. If you have small children get rid of him before he hurts one.

We only have furry and feathery kids thankfully. I'm the only one he behaves this way to.

 

[Kyanite]

If you legitimately think he's being a bully to the hens, get rid of him. I thought one of our EE hens was just a flighty, scared of her own shadow, bottom of the pecking order gal. Then we ate the aggressive, hyper-vigilant rooster. Now she's completely normal. She had been terrified of him. The entire flock is calmer and less flighty with him gone. In fact, they are downright friendly girls.

 

[chicksducks1]

If you legitimately think he's being a bully to the hens, get rid of him. I thought one of our EE hens was just a flighty, scared of her own shadow, bottom of the pecking order gal. Then we ate the aggressive, hyper-vigilant rooster. Now she's completely normal. She had been terrified of him. The entire flock is calmer and less flighty with him gone. In fact, they are downright friendly girls.

I wouldn't say they are less friendly at all but two of my hens just seem to be acting down a little.

 

[bobbi-j]

Hello! I got my rooster probably two months ago, he's a year and a few months old. I got him for flock protection since I let my girls free range most of the time. However since I got him I've noticed my girls have decreased in egg laying and my buff Orpington has quit laying almost completely. I've notice a superficial cut on her creast as well. I noticed that any time the roo is around her she seems slightly more stressed. I've seen him chase all my girls off the treats a couple times if I don't stay next to the girls to prevent the chasing. I have a hen that has always been "special". She doesn't walk right, seems to not all be there in her head but the sweetest hen ever. I'm very worried that he picks on her although I haven't seen any actual bullying. I've never had a rooster before so I'm not sure if this is all normal behavior. I'm not sure if I'm just being overly protective over my girls or if I'm right with my worries. If he is bullying what should I do? Sorry for the lengthy post! Thanks so much!

A good rooster does NOT chase the hens away from feed or treats. At over a year old, he should be past that obnoxious teenage stage. A good rooster also does NOT get aggressive with his human keepers. He recognizes them as something he should respect and not something he needs to "protect" his hens from. Personally, I would not keep this rooster if he's causing that much stress in the flock. Is it really worth it when your hens are miserable?

 

[eggbert420]

A good rooster does NOT chase the hens away from feed or treats. At over a year old, he should be past that obnoxious teenage stage. A good rooster also does NOT get aggressive with his human keepers. He recognizes them as something he should respect and not something he needs to "protect" his hens from. Personally, I would not keep this rooster if he's causing that much stress in the flock. Is it really worth it when your hens are miserable?

Agreed