Rough rooster

[Leah61]

I have 15 hens (3 of them 6 months old and the rest 12 months old) and 1 rooster (also 6 months old). He started mating with all of the hens about 3 weeks ago. Unfortunately he is getting very rough with the girls. He is pecking and pulling off their feathers, and has just started pecking my leghorn’s comb to the point it is bleeding at times. Now I’m wondering what to do? Should I separate the leghorn? And is there anything I can do to calm down the rooster? When I pick up the hen to inspect her he gets very concerned, and goes after her when I put her down. He is nothing like his father, our first rooster who was unfortunately killed by a neighbor’s dog. I just put some dried lavender in the coop thinking that might mellow him a bit. Any suggestions?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

He's a hormonal teenager. Hormones are currently surging in rooster due to the increasing light. I personally would remove him for a few months until he calms down and matures some, or remove him permanently if he isn't necessary.

 

[chickens really]

I agree...He is young and being a bit too assertive..If I ever have to catch a Hen I lock my Rooster out in the Run. What your seeing is his way of punishing the Hen for allowing you to touch her. Anytime you remove a Hen and reintroduce her back in, the Rooster will flog her for being gone. Hopefully with time spent away from the Hens he mellows as he matures?