My rooster/cockerel is great in every way except..... the old hen. He keeps bloodying her comb. He gets near and she's very flighty keeping away from her. Her eggs are still infertile, so I know when he actually does mount her, it's very much against her will. Last couple weeks they've actually begun fighting. He comes at her feet first and she likewise defends.
Today I find her like this.
She's my broody. The 8 pullets she raised (22 weeks old) squat for him. Go running when called. He's a perfect gentleman. He stays well away from us humans. Alarms and watches like a champ.
How do I get these two to get along? I've separated him for 4 full days last week. OK yesterday (she avoided him) and a little scuffle Saturday.
At this point, my broody hen by far is more important. Is stew pot the answer?
Today I find her like this.
She's my broody. The 8 pullets she raised (22 weeks old) squat for him. Go running when called. He's a perfect gentleman. He stays well away from us humans. Alarms and watches like a champ.
How do I get these two to get along? I've separated him for 4 full days last week. OK yesterday (she avoided him) and a little scuffle Saturday.
At this point, my broody hen by far is more important. Is stew pot the answer?