Rooster doesn't like 1 hen

[krzybo]

I have a rooster that doesn't like one of my hens. I have 5 hens total and he chases this one hen when she comes near him. She usually gets up on the coop and he doesn't get her. He has not pecked her or hurt her. When she sees him coming she gets away from him. He lets her roost and she eats when he is not around the food. What should I do? I go out and chase him away when I bring treats and make sure she gets treats until she is full then I let him eat. The other hens get along with the hen and they stay with her some of the time. I hate that she is alone some. Any suggestions?

 

[D'Angelo N Va.]

hmmm..never experienced that one before. however, I am sure someone on here has. how old is the hen?

 

[emys]

Is she new to the group? Is the rooster?

 

[pkeeler]

I don't think he hates her; just the opposite

He is trying to mate and she is avoiding him at all costs. This happens. Eventually, she will give in and then she will be in the flock. From time to time, this behavior might re-occur. I have one hen that decides she will be celibate every now and then. She will spend all day hundreds of yards away from the flock and rooster(s). Making a break for the roost pole right at dusk. Goes on for awhile, then she relents. It might be when they are confined to the run (which I have to do for various reasons) that she gives in (obviously, she cannot escape then).

 

[krzybo]

History: I had 4 hens: 2 BO and 2 Americanas (spelling). At about 1 1/2 years old one BO went broody so we bought some fertile eggs (Jersey Giants). The mama hatched them and a few days later she and 1 one of her babies got killed. That left me with 3 orphans to raise. We raised them and ended up with 2 hens and one rooster. So we now have 1 rooster with 2 sisters (Jersey Giants) and one older BO and 2 Americanas which are all the same age. We incorporated them all back together and everyone got along fine. The rooster is the one that is now mean to one of the A's. It just started about 6 weeks ago. All the jersey giants stay together at all times but the other BO and A get with them at times and the rooster is OK with that. It's just when that one A comes up, he goes toward her and she runs. He has not attacked her and has not hurt her, he just will not let her near him. The other hens are not mean to her, just the rooster. I hate seeing her alone but she is eating, laying and looks great. She usually stays on top of the coop until I let them out to free range then she goes by herself most of the time. Sometimes another hen will come where she is but usually goes back to the rooster pretty quick.

 

[krzybo]

Quote:
Now that you said that, she used to be the one he "loved on" the most. Maybe she just got tired of him.

Do I just let it run it's course?

 

[RM44]

I tend to agree; the rooster likes her too much...... She just doesn't want his affections. I would just let nature take it's course. I'm sure he will eventually dominate her, or they may carry on like krzybo's chickens do....sometimes yes, sometimes no. Chickens are so funny aren't they?

 

[Chullicken]

Old post but was doing some research as I am having the same issue. However, I can't fully concur with the comments here. Mine does this exact behavior and she isn't a low tiered hen in my flock. He chases her, pecks and doesn't allow her near food or treats until he has had plenty. He allows her to roost with him in and outside and access to water. I could not disagree more with any thinking that would conclude its 'love' in my situation. Its something a lot more complex I believe, health or something else.

 

[Goldenmain]

Anyone find any solutions yet? I'm having the same problem. Only my old hen was the last of prior flock so was here and was top of pecking order before I got this batch as chicks- rooster and hens. Roo is Bielefelder and nice to all but her. He grew up and started breeding his group. I have let my old hen out of the coup every morning and she's last in at night. When both around each other, they're necks are stretched high as possible to see where each other is. He goes after her and it's not to mate. If he can get at her he chases her and tries to harm her. She's terrified of him. I want to fix this situation because winter is coming and she shouldn't be out free ranging too much especially alone until dusk. So has anyone figured this out or found any solutions? I'm tired of having to control the roost every evening until she's in her usual sleep spot and make sure he's at least 4 hens down from her. Then I cut the light off and they all seem stay in place until morning when let out. I'm tired of having to do this. Its nuts

 

[Mrs. K]

You need to solve for peace in the flock. Often times, regardless of space, or being raised together, or feed, or set up, you will have birds that just don't get along. Always solve for peace in the flock.

Sometimes it is the bully, sometimes it is the victim. Pull one of the birds, and see if harmony is restored. If you pull the bully, and another hen becomes the bully, then you need to remove the victim. If you remove the bully, and all is well, then you need to remove the bully.

Sometimes pin-less peepers will help, sometimes they won't. But you need to do something more permanent to separate the birds. That kind of strife in the flock just will ruin your enjoyment of the flock.

Mrs K