I will try to not make this too long but need a question answered and think if all the info is out there it may help. . Last June we got our first flock of 6 Barred Rocks and ended up with one being taken by a hawk in the first few months. Shortly after that a friend had an animal get into her cage with a mother and her 4 babies killing the mother and one chick. These chicks are a backyard variety and the same age although much smaller due to lack of care she said. She couldn't put them out with her other hens because of the age difference so brought them to me and dumped then into my pen. They were so small we even had to keep them separate because they could walk right through our cyclone type fencing. As it turned out one of the 3 turned out to be a rooster and a very nice little rooster. All these chickens are extremely well treated pets and were eventually mixed together and all was good with Brewster and his sisters, Madeline & Clair . They stuck together like glue. always roosting together at night etc. Madeline was at the lower end of the pecking order, kind of a free spirit chicken free ranging away from the others. Within the past few month Brewster has decided he like the Rocks, the big girls and has turned mean to his sister. The other sister, Clair, sticks up for herself and was less picked on from day one. If I give them treats he drives her away so she can't eat... only food for his big girls. The Rocks have taken notice and tend to pick on her now too. The past couple weeks he has begun to drive the other sister away also. He is a great caretaker of these girls as they free range all day and sometimes being kind to the sisters but definitely preferring the Rocks. He is never mean to us. Now this past week he has turned on one of the Rocks for no reason. It seems like he is disciplining them for not doing what he wants but they all follow him around and 95% of the time all is fine. All these chickens are friendly and hate getting rid of any. I actually think I have found a very nice home for the two sisters and it breaks my heart since they are sweet gals. Now with Brewster turning on one of the Rocks, I am wondering if I am getting rid of the wrong bird. I know they are pre-programmed and like I said he is fine most of the time but I can't have him attacking his gals. He is a true leader of this flock and now will the Rocks be OK without him if that is the answer? Killing him is out of the question but maybe a new home could be the answer. Thanks for any input.
