Rooster going after broody hen

[kateseidel]

Ethel (my buff orpington) hatched out 10 chicks in a brooder box on one side of the coop. The flock free ranges during the day, but mama and chicks were kept in the run - I have barn cats and really did not want to lose a chick to one of the cats. The chicks are 4 weeks old, and I have been letting them outside for a while, supervised (because, you know, I am over protective like that). Twice now our young rooster has come over and mixed it up with Ethel - scarey as hell to see them throwing themselves at each other and the chicks running for cover.

The other hens don't mess with Ethel, but I have broken up the rooster and Ethel both times - should I just be letting them work it out? The rooster is young, just about 4 months and clearly does not seem to understand just who runs this flock....

 

[Judy]

I would remove him. A good roo will be protective of a mama with chicks. Maybe he will be better behaved when he grows ot of his "teenage" years.

 

[donrae]

I'd give her the chance to really kick his young butt. If it doesn't work out that way, remove him. I've never had a rooster bother a broody hen, mine haven't even approached then hen until she "weans" her chicks, usually 6 weeks.