Rooster getting very bossy and over-mating hens

[aart]

He chases after them and it doesn't seem to have the finesse of courtship as much as just chasing when they try to get away, but maybe he's still learning... He never waits for them to squat for mating and it looks quite rough. I know young chicken sex is often a little rough, but there's been some blood on their combs, nothing really serious but I don't like it, don't want any cannibalism in my flock. I've also noticed egg production is down quite a bit ever since this started, so not a good sign in my opinion.

Nope, a year old is not 'young'.

Chasing, beyond a brief dash, is not cool.
Not waiting for squat, is not cool.
Bloody combs, is not cool.
Enough stress to suppress egg production, is not cool.

If he's not got what it takes by now, he's not going to get it.

 

[MarieT]

Yeah, I'm leaning that way as well. Too many 'not cool's. I just wanted to hear some second opinions you know, it ain't easy.
So do some roosters just don't have what it takes to be 'good roosters' or did I do something wrong raising him? By being affectionate with him for example...I've also always been very firm but also spent quality time. There's a whole bunch of people out there saying there is no such thing as a bad rooster, but I'm just a little lost as to where it went wrong then.

 

[Mrs. K]

There are great, good, indifferent and bad roosters. Just like any other life form. At first, I really debated culling a bird from my flock, pros, cons, and again and again. Now, I don't. If I don't like a bird, that bird is not working for peace in the flock. That bird is not working for me.

Once you remove this bird from your flock, you are going to enjoy being with the flock again. You don't like this behavior, and it is spoiling the hobby for you. Once you remove him, you are going to wonder why you waited so long.

Mrs K

 

[MarieT]

That's a pretty good way of looking at things. Thanks for sharing your experience!

 

[Ella2710]

I had hens that were over mated (pictures below) and I just made them hen saddles/aprons and they were protected from his damage! My suggestion is either get more hens, get rid of the rooster, or make them some hen saddles (also can be bought on amazon) you can also try adding some entertainment methods to your coop...hang fruits/veggies, food filled hamster balls, or personally I just sprinkle cracked corn on the ground every morning and it keeps them occupied for the day!

 

[50-45-1]

Once you remove him, you are going to wonder why you waited so long.

This 2X

 

[aart]

So do some roosters just don't have what it takes to be 'good roosters' or did I do something wrong raising him? By being affectionate with him for example...I've also always been very firm but also spent quality time.

It's really hard to say....could be the bird itself, could be the keepers demeanor/behaviors.
I do not subscribe to cuddling chickens, especially males, it blurs the lines of pecking order/dominance. Familiarity can breed contempt.
I handle them just enough for us all to get used to it in order for exams to be less stressful, pullets way more than cockerels, and usually off the roost at night instead of 'chasing' them down during the day.

There's a whole bunch of people out there saying there is no such thing as a bad rooster, but I'm just a little lost as to where it went wrong then.

Are those the same people who keep chickens for pets and won't ever kill or get rid of one no matter what? Consider context.

 

[MarieT]

True, they're not pets but livestock for us. To each their own.

Rooster is processed and flock seems fine. Dogs were happy with their dinner.

Thanks everyone for their input!