Rooster..what constitutes abusive toward hens?

[NicChicks2013]

Marble is about 13 weeks..an EE roo. He has been ok so far. He does his job and I do mine. I don't over lovey dovey him. I throw treats his way and will hold him at dusk with some good boy pats. I though will not tolerate a mean roo to be around my gals. Today I think Marble wanted some action. It scared me! He pinned one down in a tight spot, hurting her. Hubby had to move a small coop so she could get out. Then he grabbed one by the head/neck area. No feather loss or blood. I am not sure if this a typical beginning to the whole mating thing. I am the type that could get very angry and he would go. I would not want to do that if what I am seeing is normal. I need to know what is too far? Is this because he is still young. I did go outside and put stop to it. Was that right to do? There was only 2 episodes of this behavior, that I saw. So when it is he learning to be a roo and when is it time to say bye-bye Marble? Thanks

 

[AmishThunder]

That is normal. They pretty much chase down and rape the hens until they learn to squat for him. Eventually he should be nicer about it but they always hold on to the neck feathers of the hen when they mate to keep balance. When he is older and calmer he will do a little dance with his wing out in a circle around the hen and she will squat down for him.

 

[NicChicks2013]

Well I guess that's good to know. The one he had by neck was trying to get away..she was even standing and still had her. I hope it was ok I broke it up..it's my reaction with all that screeching. He did get off her and walk away from me. I grabbed a stick and was ready to show who is boss..lol. He did stop and didn't try again. Again I would be disappointed in myself if I reacted to something that was just nature..thanks for the info..hope I can handle this

 

[AmishThunder]

That ok you broke them up, I still do that when the hen is in a painful looking position or if one particular hen is getting mated over and over in a short period of time. A chicken screech is rough on the ears and gets me out of the house in a hurry

 

[lzufelt]

Hi there, I am having the same problem. But my rooster drew blood. Does the blood mean too rough? I seperated them but again, I don't want to get in the way if that is normal?

And my Ella (who bled) seems to be the only one being "picked on" or "mated with"?

Please help!!

 

[aart]

Hi there, I am having the same problem. But my rooster drew blood. Does the blood mean too rough? I seperated them but again, I don't want to get in the way if that is normal?

And my Ella (who bled) seems to be the only one being "picked on" or "mated with"?

Please help!!

You probably should start a new thread with more info...like age of birds.

 

[lzufelt]

Okay thank you!