Rooster flogging hens

[FeatherCrest]

They get some grains and seeds before bedtime, and we give them dried mealworms and other snacks. But I will scatter them more, that's a good tip (I always like it when they come close to me, but that will have to stop for now).

 

[aart]

Multiple feeders should help.
Knowing the nutritional percentages(especially protein and calcium) of what you're feeding would really help.
Here in the US they have to be listed on the feed bag tags, not sure about the Netherlands.

 

[FeatherCrest]

Not sure of the nutritional value, would have to check when buying a new bag. We did switch from mash to pellets recently, in hopes that it would bring a change in his behaviour. But nope.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
If part of the problem is diet, make sure your base feed is balanced for these birds, not just a lower protein high calcium layer feed, and that it's fresh by mill dates on each bag, if that's how it's labeled there.
Two feeders are a good idea too.
This young rooster sounds like a problem individual in many ways! Are your birds being injured? How is he with other humans, besides you? You can't 'fix' his behavior with his flockmates!
I'd be choosing another boy...
Next spring, get a few more chicks, and raise some cockerels with your (then) adult hens, so they can have proper social interactions, and make those juveniles a bit more humble. I think it's best to have cockerels raised to respect your space, rather than encouraging too much familiarity and trying to make them 'pets'. If he's your first cockerel, his attitude may improve, or not. Most get worse, not better, as they mature. Good roosters don't attack humans, they spend their time watching out for their flockmates instead.
Mary

 

[FeatherCrest]

No injuries, and it does not seem that he is out to hurt the hens: it is just the one jump 'get out of my way'.
And yes, we did have some issues with him, or rather: he and I had issues. He did seem to respect my partner as boss from the start. Also, no problems with other humans, although we always warn them to keep their distance - just to be safe.
These are our first chickens, and I am sure I have made some mistakes at first, indeed by treating them more like pets. But now he and I are good.

 

[Folly's place]

Hope he does work out well for you!
Just have a 'Plan B' for him if things go wrong...
Mary

 

[FeatherCrest]

Quick update: we put down more feeders and this helped so much! He is still a bit grumpy when he's eating, but no longer chases the hens away. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Jandsloch]

Quick update: we put down more feeders and this helped so much! He is still a bit grumpy when he's eating, but no longer chases the hens away. Thanks for the advice!

Awesome! My boy was jumping my kids and Hubs when his hormones were outta whack.... my kiddos had to play top rooster lol I got some advice from here....and now he “runs” from them. He’s a great rooster to the girls and I didn’t want to put him in the pot bc he jumped the kids (hubs can fend for himself) but what we did was every time they went in they had to act as a rooster. Meaning they had to go towards him...if he got defensive or tried to jump them they lightly booted his bottom....walked towards him booted bottom walked towards booted etc. did 3 or 4 times and then it got to point they took a step in his direction he “ran” off...if they turned towards me away from him and he started after I had them turn back around and boot all over again. Took about 2 days.....now there’s no issues whatsoever.

 

[Folly's place]

Do watch these cockerels as they continue to mature, and especially in spring when things can get more 'interesting'. I've had a couple of cockerels who seemed fine, and then got human aggressive in spring/ summer as adults. Just be watchful, and have that Plan B all set if you need it.
Mary

 

[Jandsloch]

Do watch these cockerels as they continue to mature, and especially in spring when things can get more 'interesting'. I've had a couple of cockerels who seemed fine, and then got human aggressive in spring/ summer as adults. Just be watchful, and have that Plan B all set if you need it.
Mary

Plan b for me is crockpot. I told the kiddos we will not have a mean rooster...I know mostly is inevitable...he’s dual purpose....out of 6 we chose him to keep....if we have to do without him we will