rooster question

[ash11]

Hello everyone! I'm new to this site and this is my first time owning chickens. They are almost 5 months old and my rooster keeps pulling on the comb of one of my hens. He only does it to her and it's like he is trying to shake her or something. Is this his way of keeping her "in line?" Thanks and have a great day!

 

[1muttsfan]

More like his way of being a jerk. Some roosters have favorites, and can be very rough on their not-so-favorite hens. I am not so fond of these roosters, and usually cull them.

 

[ash11]

Thank you for responding! I will definately try to discourage him from doing it. It's kinda weird to see though because my rooster is a silkie and the hen he does that to is a red star. She's a lot bigger than he is!

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Watch out that no blood is drawn. That may tempt others to join in the pecking and cause a much bigger problem for your red star.

 

[ash11]

I will definately watch for that. I had them out a little while ago, and he didn't bother her. Hopefully he will stop.

 

[maidenwolfx80]

Yea, I have heard of people coating the combs in petroleum jelly to discourage the comb pecking/pulling. Maybe this could help..

 

[ash11]

Thank you! I have been watching him for 2 days and so far it seems like he is leaving her comb alone. But while I'm out there it seems like that same hen is the only one he tries to mount with. He will grab the tails of the other ones but that's it. Hopefully he will start trying to mount with the other ones too. Unless he is, just maybe not when I'm watching!

 

[maidenwolfx80]

HHmmm maybe he is shy and wants privacy