Rooster, Hen situation

[eatbeef14]

Last May of this year, I added five hens and a rooster (which I raised from chicks) to a flock of seven hens. I'm not new to chickens but I've always only had hens so I'm new to roosters. They're all mature now but my rooster is only mating with the hens he was raised with. The older hens are about six years of age but he doesn't seem to have any interest except pecking them. Plus, three of the older hens stay in the coop until he is gone because they're scared of him. Is this normal or does he just not know how to treat his girls.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Are the older hens still laying? Roosters generally don't mate hens that don't lay.

Some roosters just don't want other hens.

He could be slightly afraid to mate them because they are older and more dominant.

Just a few reasons.

 

[eatbeef14]

They were laying eggs this last summer but they're now molting, so no. Thanks for the response, I appreciate it.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

My family friend had the same thing happen. She added 5 brahma hens & 1 roo that she raised from chicks to her flock and the roo would only mate with his girls. Some older hens won’t let the rooster do the deed to the younger hens when they’re around.

 

[eatbeef14]

So, will it just take time? Do roosters not mate hens when they're molting?

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I don’t think he will mate with your older hens. If you add new hens I’m sure he will mate them.

 

[eatbeef14]

I don’t think he will mate with your older hens. If you add new hens I’m sure he will mate them.

Thanks for the response. What should I do about the hens that won't come out of the coop?

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I’m honestly not sure.

 

[Bridger Davis]

Are you needing to get fertile eggs from all the hens? Also @oldhenlikesdogs , if the roo is pecking the older ones, it would appear that he is the dominant one, right?

 

[eatbeef14]

Yes, he is dominant and I don't need fertile eggs. But I would like fertile eggs.