How old is he....about 5-6 months?Great story, and maybe if I adapt some of your approaches, Festus and I can negotiate a truce. The main problem now, is he's attaching his litter mate--the other Astrolorpe. Once he's penned her down, for waaay longer than the typical mating, a few of the other hens come peck on her while she's being cornered and attacked. I've been separating her a few hours a day so she can forage, drink water (they were keeping her away from the water containers). I just don't understand why now, out of nowhere, he's picking on her: she used to be his favorite.
We are trying to locate a new, safe home for him but in the meantime, I'll try your tactics. We are considering separating him from the flock for 3-4 days and observe their behavors: are they happier or more frightened without them?
Thanks so much. I didn't know where else to turn. What a wonderful community! I'm sure I'll be back with more questions.
He's the one who needs a time out, not her.
Young cockerels are numbskulls.