Rooster molesting pulletts, is this normal?

[cgmccary]

I have had big, grown roosters cover very young pullets. I immediately separate roosters from those pullets if they are younger than 6 months because I had a 16 week old pullet that got her wing broke this way once. A rooster that is aggressive covering hens can hurt or injure a young pullet (or for that matter, a full grown hen). When the pullet is just past the "chirping" stage and before she has laid her first egg, IMHO, a wise rooster does not cover such a pullet & shouldn't.

 

[Wiglwerm]

It's funny but just yesterday I was telling my husband how one of my pullets (not the skinned one) gave Betty (the roo) a run for his money. They were both at the feeder and she (1 month) Puffed her feathers and jumped at him, I could see the shock on his face as he weighs about 7 lbs. I was standing right there to see what was going on and run to the rescue if nessessary but he just stared her down like "Listen here young lady, I'm in charge", I thought it was cute, but this hormonal thing has gotten out of hand. The babies have a seperate cage inside the pen so they are all together but they are safe from bullying. This was only the second time the babies have been aloud out side to free range with the others because I was out there too. They usually hang together (the 4 or them) and will get an occasional peck from one of the hens if they step out of line but this was way beyond that.

 

[poultrypatch]

Oh my !!! Poor Betty !! Poor baby girl !! Betty was only doing what he grew up to do. If you eat him he's NOT going to taste good ! LOL
I had 4 little Banty roos and one big Ameraucana roo in with some of my girls. Yesterday I took 3 of the Banty roos and put them in another pen with 11 pullets and 1 BIG Ameraucana Roo ! Felt bad for the 3 little guys...EVERYBODY spent the day chasing them around ! As long as they don't get hurt it will give me time to re home them. I too couldn't put up with their behavior ! It was like watching a gang rape...felt like I should call 911 ! All 5 of the roos would pile on top of one hen and have their way with her...or with each other ! Today was very quiet with only the 1 big roo and the little Banty Cochin roo. My girls are plucked half bald and I hate it.
Good luck with Betty .
Liz
Rochester, MA

 

[Wiglwerm]

Thanks poultrypatch, your post made me laugh. Who would have thought chickens could cause so much drama and stress! But when everyone is getting along it is soooo FUN!! That is why I think I am going to down size to NO ROO. That way I don't have to worry about "mating injuries"

. I have a BR Roo in a seperate pen with his lady and he got exiled by betty a few weeks ago when Betty tried to tear off his comb. So when I really sit back and analize the situation ....IT"S ALL BETTY'S FAULT!!!

. I also have a naked neck roo in the flock but he is LOOOOOWWWW on the pecking order and Betty doesn't seem to feel threatend by him, but I assume if NN tried to jump one of his ladies....He'd skin his neck too....no wait his neck is already naked!!!