Howdy! I'm waiting for my pullets to mature before I mix my newly arrived rooster with them. However, when roosting time comes around he jumps the 4ft fence they are behind in an effort to snuggle up with them. I've sort of given in and partitioned the chook house so he can't actually get to the little ones. I just turn him out in the morning. The question that has me worried is, why does he only jump the fence at dusk? I don't think he's coming and going from the pen during the day. Is this because the little ones are not yet sexually mature and so he's not fussed about them during the day, or does he get some kind of hormone rush that gives him super jumping strength at bed time? The place I got him from kept him in a pen, now he can free range, but perhaps the draw to roost sociably is to strong. I'd be interested in anyone's thoughts. Cheers.
Mine free ranges all day and then goes into a seperate pen from the ladies at night to roost. Maybe yours is just trying to protect the flock at night and found a great place to roost.
Yep, chickens are a flock bird and enjoy the comfort of each others company....I'm sure he is lonely and wants to be with the general flock cause he's the man. I would slowly introduce him to the girls and see how it goes. I'm sure you will think he is to aggressive to the women, however things will settle down when he feels at home. bigzio
Quote:He's looking for a place to hang his hat at night. You also said he is a new arrival, so that will play a part in his behavior. He wants to explore the world, see what there is out there for him to take over, etc. and when he is done, he comes back home to roost with his "ladies". Sooner or later, he will settle down, especially when the ladies are old enough to be with him. But they aren't right now, and he knows that, so he finds other things to do to fill his day.