Rooster chasing hen off nesting box

[orpingtonmama]

I have a blue Andalusian rooster who is a real sweetheart when it comes to people and all of his hens. But we have noticed that my hen (the only one that I have that's laying, the rest are still about a month shy of laying) hasn't been laying; she's normally a very consistent layer, laying daily so it's been very strange. Then one day while we were at the barn we saw our rooster go to the nesting box when she was in it and chase her out!! The jerk!! Any thoughts as to one, why in the world he would do this, and two any suggestions as to how I can get him to stop?! Please any help would be awesome!!!

 

[sourland]

I have no idea why unless he wants to mate her, but I know what I would do with him. If he were mine he would go to a bachelor pen and live a celibate lifestyle until more of the pullets were laying. I'd let him take a little 'testosterone break'.

 

[orpingtonmama]

Thank you so much that's a great idea! He's normally so sweet it was shocking to see him bully her like that. I'll try putting him in his own little bachelor pad hopefully that will help.