Rooster making hens bleed

[AmandaH]

My rooster is making my hens bleed from their crown every time he mates with them. Is this normal? Any suggestions about what to do?
Thank you!!

 

[pfields]

Get rid of him ASAP! Hens deserve better!

 

[csaylorchickens]

Rooster stew!?
I am not sure about that but I think it's hard to stop a rooster
If you want a nicer rooster their are different breeds that have a better temperament.

 

[aart]

My rooster is making my hens bleed from their crown every time he mates with them. Is this normal? Any suggestions about what to do?
Thank you!!

How old are your roosters and hens....
.......and how many of each?

 

[AmandaH]

They are 5 month old Buff Orpingtons. 1 Rooster 4 hens. He is otherwise very gentle with them but when he is mounting them he bites on their crown to hold on, sometimes causing them to bleed. Is it normal for him to have to hold on when doing the deed? I think the stew pot solution may be jumping the gun a bit. He is not actively trying to hurt the hens but perhaps a little rough when doing the "activity".

 

[junebuggena]

Not enough hens, he's breeding them too often.

 

[junebuggena]

It's very normal for him to grab the back of the head. How else is he supposed to stay on and get into position? It's not usually a problem if you have enough girls.

 

[AmandaH]

What would be an ideal ratio of hen/rooster?

 

[aart]

He's young and doesn't know what he's doing yet...and either do the pullets..
Adolescent chicken sex is rough business.
They usually hold on to the neck feathers rather than the comb.

You might separate him for some time outs just to give the girls a break.....
......or get rid of him if you don't need a male.
The pullet to cockerel ratio is a bit low.....and that just makes the problem worse.

 

[junebuggena]

8 or 10 hens per cockerel. As they get older, you don't need as many hens.