Roosters, and the hens at the bottom of the pecking order.

[Hazeldazel]

I have a new rooster, having had all hens before. He is gentle toward humans, but there are three hens that are clearly at the bottom of the pecking order. When I go into the henhouse, they are always on their roosts, while the rest of the flock are going about their business. I worry that they get enough to eat and drink. I've seen no evidence of violence. Not being in there 100 percent of the time, I have a question: Will the rooster ALWAYS chase them away from the food and water, or is he just making them wait until last? What symptoms of not getting enough should I look for?

 

[Judy]

I'd certainly start picking them up every day to see if I feel a weight difference or if their breast bone seems to be sticking out more.

I suspect what is happening, though, is they are hiding from him to avoid being mated. Is he a lot bigger than they are, and thus too heavy for them? Have you checked under their feathers for cuts? Do his spurs need trimming? They can rip quite a tear in then hen's side.

You might consider having more than one feeder if you think they are missing out on food.