Rooster trying to breed 10 week old pullets when favorite hen is broody

[lazy gardener]

Any roo in my flock who is a pedophile would either be jailed until the youngsters are ready for a serious relationship (eggs imminent). If I did not jail him, I would eat him. A good roo does not do that to the youngsters.

If your flock is confined to a run, that exacerbates the behavior.

 

[Redhead Rae]

Any roo in my flock who is a pedophile would either be jailed until the youngsters are ready for a serious relationship (eggs imminent). If I did not jail him, I would eat him. A good roo does not do that to the youngsters.

If your flock is confined to a run, that exacerbates the behavior.

I think a dearth of adult female companionship is what is driving this rooster to pedophilia. I've only seen this scenario play out when the rooster didn't have any (or many) other options. I think this case is just exacerbated by the fact he only has one or two available hens (depending on broodiness).

 

[Redhead Rae]

Oh, another thought you mentioned giving your Trudy Broody hen away. If you aren't going to hatch eggs (or give her chicks), I would find her a home where she could be a mommy (either via adoption or hatching out eggs). @staceyj did this with one of her broody Buffs and the hen is a happy mommy now.

 

[staceyj]

Oh, another thought you mentioned giving your Trudy Broody hen away. If you aren't going to hatch eggs (or give her chicks), I would find her a home where she could be a mommy (either via adoption or hatching out eggs). @staceyj did this with one of her broody Buffs and the hen is a happy mommy now.

This is true!
I was broken hearted to rehome our sweetheart Dory but I knew that she deserved to live the life she desired.
She was the most determined Broody I’ve ever met and was nearly impossible to break, especially in hot weather.

She is happy and has proven to be a wonderful Mama and the new owner has generously shared weekly photos as the babies have grown.
( I’m an honorary grandmom!)

 

[hoosierhens101]

10 weeks is a little young to be taking on the attentions of a full grown rooster. At 16 weeks, I would feel more comfortable with him trying even if they aren't willing because they will be almost fully grown and won't get hurt.

Does that make sense?

yes

 

[hoosierhens101]

Oh, another thought you mentioned giving your Trudy Broody hen away. If you aren't going to hatch eggs (or give her chicks), I would find her a home where she could be a mommy (either via adoption or hatching out eggs). @staceyj did this with one of her broody Buffs and the hen is a happy mommy now.

Next year she can be a momma. I have a Lavender Orpington Rooster and two of the pullets are Lavender Orpintons also. She has been out of broody jail for 5 hours now and has not gone back into the nesting box!! I assume if she goes broody again I cannot put the rooster in the broody box with her?

 

[hoosierhens101]

I agree with Rae, these pullets are too young to be with an adult rooster. If you can try to separate that would be best.

He has been a perfect gentlemen except when his favorite girl is in jail

 

[lazy gardener]

@Beekissed says that a good way to break a broody is to pen her and an amorous roo in the same pen. He'll romance her out of her broodiness.

 

[hoosierhens101]

This is true!
I was broken hearted to rehome our sweetheart Dory but I knew that she deserved to live the life she desired.
She was the most determined Broody I’ve ever met and was nearly impossible to break, especially in hot weather.

She is happy and has proven to be a wonderful Mama and the new owner has generously shared weekly photos as the babies have grown.
( I’m an honorary grandmom!)

I think I will reach out to our local backyard chicken facebook page and see if anyone wants her.

 

[hoosierhens101]

@Beekissed says that a good way to break a broody is to pen her and an amorous roo in the same pen. He'll romance her out of her broodiness.

Really!!! That would solve two problems