I currently have 4 hens. I've recently noticed that one (LuLu) seems to be picking on one of the others (Lovebug) quite a bit lately. Lovebug is my sweetest of the four. I've even seen LuLu chase Lovebug around the run for what seems to be no good reason, just to try to peck her. Would getting a rooster put LuLu in her place?
personally, I think it depends on the rooster. I've heard that some will, but the salmon faverolle rooster I have right now lets the hens beat up on him all the time.
Your hens will still pick on each other to determine who is top of the pecking order - adding a roo won't change that.
Wildsky, do you know if it will decrease it any? I'd like to have a roo anyway, but have been putting it off. Now that I think about it, maybe I'm just looking for a "good" reason to get one.
Top hens are mean to the lower ones in the pecking order with or without a rooster. You might consider getting more hens to go with a rooster, since the rule of thumb is 8 - 10 per rooster so the gals are not too annoyed. I only had 3 hens and that wasn't enough for my rooster, so I've gotten more. ps. I think a rooster is a great addition for the hens.... he protects and directs them. It's a lot of fun to watch.
I find that there is always a nasty bird in the bunch. Ideas: 1. give them more space 2. remove the nasty bird and reintroduce in a week, the others will not recognize her and she will not likely be top bird again 3. you can get no- peck peepers, they look like solid filled glasses and are used for pheasants 4. clip her beak 5. break up the boredom.. give them something to keep them real busy i.e. a pumpkin or cucumber (pumpkins will keep months in a basement if they do not touch each other) or give them a swing.. I found they will swing like a parrot when given a chance
I had a roo that would break up fights between hens. General squabbling he did not mind but if one was really getting roughed up he would get between them and put his head as high as he could and stare at the aggressor. Really funny stuff.