Rooster Not Doing His Job?

[danielle2003]

We have one rooster for a flock of 8 hens. Our hens are smaller than some breeds. They're 5 months old, and our rooster is around that same age. Because he's so much larger than they are, I don't think he's mating right. He doesn't lower his tail down as far as he should, and hitting his mark. Will he eventually learn to do it right? Our hens will probably always be quite a bit smaller than him. I'd would really like some fertilized eggs from our flock.
Thank you!

 

[Brooks_]

Will he eventually learn to do it right?

Most likely. At 5 months, still a cockerel.

 

[fluffycrow]

Depending on how big the difference in size really is, it will always be a problem, and potentially even a risk for your hens. What breed are the hens and what breed is the rooster? Do you have any photos? If the size difference isn't really that big, he should be able to get it down eventually

 

[danielle2003]

Most likely. At 5 months, still a cockerel.

Ok. Here's a picture for size comparison.

 

[danielle2003]

Depending on how big the difference in size really is, it will always be a problem, and potentially even a risk for your hens. What breed are the hens and what breed is the rooster? Do you have any photos?

Just sent one

 

[danielle2003]

Depending on how big the difference in size really is, it will always be a problem, and potentially even a risk for your hens. What breed are the hens and what breed is the rooster? Do you have any photos? If the size difference isn't really that big, he should be able to get it down eventually

He's a Barred Rock, and the hens are Welsummers and one Easter Egger.

 

[fluffycrow]

Then I think he'll be able to get it down with age

 

[danielle2003]

Then I think he'll be able to get it down with age

Will he pose a health risk for hens because of his size?

 

[fluffycrow]

Will he pose a health risk for hens because of his size?

If the hens don't seem particularly annoyed when he's trying to mate, I wouldn't bother

 

[3KillerBs]

Neither your cockerel nor your pullets have reached full size yet, but he's closer to his full size because the boys grow faster. Once they mature they might match better.

However, roosters are often at least half-again the size of their hens of the same breed so some size discrepancy is to be expected.

Right now your flock are clumsy teenagers who don't quite know what they're doing.