The hens "have a headache"

[Henrik Petersson]

I've noticed that often when my roo tries to make love to the hens, they try to figh/shrug him off. Sometimes, he manages to mate with them, but they then chase him off afterwards. Is this something I should be worried about?

A lot of the time they just stand still and take it as well. I'd say about half the time, from what I've seen.

I should mention it's a young roo, perhaps I should say cockerel. I think he's fully grown, but his comb and wattles aren't fully developed. He has a history of being bullied by the hens; could this be about status rather than sex?

 

[lovemychix]

Sounds like a roo. Hen pecked roo.

Mine did the same thing.

 

[Akane]

Hens get annoyed with young roos constant attention. If the roo hasn't asserted his dominance it wouldn't be surprising if they beat him up for it at least occasionally.

 

[jossanne]

I'd say it's about status, for sure. This behavior cracks me up. I've got a SLW pullet who defends all the other girls from the cockerels. I saw him try to breed her today, and she beat him up for it. If she catches him on any of the others, she runs at him and knocks him off, and chases him away. She's my favorite, go Norma!

 

[Henrik Petersson]

Okay, thanks! Good to know I don't need to put my chooks into therapy.

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
Well you know, it is just possible that there's a limit to how many times a day a hen wants to be squashed flat by a big wiggly bird with eight long sharp toenails and a beakful of her neck feathers

He should get a bit more suave, and the hens more accepting and/or resigned, as he matures and refines his technique.

Pat

 

[lovemychix]

Quote:
Well you know, it is just possible that there's a limit to how many times a day a hen wants to be squashed flat by a big wiggly bird with eight long sharp toenails and a beakful of her neck feathers

He should get a bit more suave, and the hens more accepting and/or resigned, as he matures and refines his technique.

Pat

 

[lavacaw]