Rooster Suddenly Aggressive Toward Hens

[gladyskravitz]

Help! Our 3 year old rooster has recently become super aggressive towards the hens in the flock. They've lived together peacefully up until this point. For example- If we scatter cracked corn about for them all to peck at, the Roo goes to it and aggressively pecks away any hen's attempt to eat. This is NOT normal. He used to make the "I found treats" noise to encourage the hens to come over. Now he's turned into a complete bully. Why? The hens have stopped laying and we suspect it's stress related.

Does our roo need to go?

Any insights are appreciated.

 

[sourland]

Have you made any changes in feeding arrangements ? Are the birds getting sufficient feed ? Such a change in behavior unless he is overly hungry is difficult to understand.

 

[gladyskravitz]

Have you made any changes in feeding arrangements ? Are the birds getting sufficient feed ? Such a change in behavior unless he is overly hungry is difficult to understand.

A few months ago we switched feeders. We went from the "normal style" you see in Tractor Supply to an enclosed feeder where they have to stick their heads in through a pvc pipe to eat. It keeps their food fresh and dry this way. Could this be it?

 

[sourland]

A few months ago we switched feeders. We went from the "normal style" you see in Tractor Supply to an enclosed feeder where they have to stick their heads in through a pvc pipe to eat. It keeps their food fresh and dry this way. Could this be it?

Is there a possibility that because of his comb and the feeder configuration that he is unable to utilize the feeder ? It just seems very unusual that a good rooster should change behavior at his age.

 

[Ursuline Chick]

Sounds like a mid life crisis. Have you had his testosterone levels checked? Seriously, it could be the feeder change. May be he feels like he can't get enough food with the hens in there a head of him, so he wants to eat first. We noticed as our hens aged they went to the "back of the line" when it came to food distribution by the roo. In other words the hens who were still laying eggs got the good food first.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

Actually I read somewhere about a rooster dying due to that kind of feeder. I can't recall where though I'm sorry. Comb and wattles didn't fit. Uh oh!

 

[gladyskravitz]

Thanks EVERYONE! The feeder was indeed the culprit! No sooner had we put back out the "old style" feeders than our roo began to gobble down the food. The poor thing was indeed starving to death. I can't thank you all enough for your suggestions, as it likely saved our roo's life!

 

[sourland]

Well done on your part to ask for help.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

So glad you figured it out in time!

Could you use the other feeder for just layer feed for the girls? Those are cool feeders. Or I've wondered about using something much wider diameter, narrow culvert maybe.

 

[ebretzel]

Interesting, glad I read this post as we were considering putting those types of feeders out as well.