Rooster is attacking one hen

[djm9591]

We recently set up our chicken coop and fenced in a little yard for them. We started with one rooster; three days later, we brought home 4 hens; then one week later, we brought home 4 more hens. The first couple days and nights all was well with our rooster and the eight hens. Then our rooster started viciously attacking one hen. He is not trying to mate, he is attacking. He won't let her out of the coop. If she does sneak out, he then chases her and at times has caught her, grabs her by the neck, and shakes her.

When I saw this, I stopped him. Then went to the hen who was cowering in the corner of the coop. I picked her up, checked her over for any injuries (which there were none), and held her for a few minutes. Then I went into the fenced in yard area with her. I sat down and turned her loose. She was able to eat, drink and wander around. The rooster kept a close eye on her, but did not approach her. Later I left the fenced in area and sat outside the fence for a few minutes before going back to the house. Before dark, I came out and found all roosting in the coop comfortably, and I closed the coop for the night.

This morning, I opened the coop and sat down to observe. The hens and rooster all came outside. When the rooster saw the one hen he had attacked the evening before, he chased her back into the coop. When he started to continue into the coop after her, I stopped him. He then returned to the yard area. I had to leave for work, so I ensured she had plenty of fresh water and food inside. I also added two feeding bowls and 2 water bowls in the fenced area for all the other hens and rooster. I left the coop open so all could come and go as they pleased. (The fenced in area is covered and sealed well at the bottom.)

Is there anything else I can do? I want this hen to be able to enjoy her life outside with the other hens without being attacked.

 

[Judy]

You could try isolating the rooster for several days, away from the flock, then see if his attitude changes.

There are a whole lot of extra roos out there, nice ones, who need a flock.... Mean ones don't last long here.

 

[djm9591]

Well, it seems we are not having the problem anymore. I sat outside watching one morning, and when the rooster went after her, I jumped up and yelled at him, waving a stick. He's never bothered her again. Since then, she has been able to come and go like the other hens.