What to do?????

[Hennyhandler]

I have a rooster and like many others he mates the hens a little too much.

They are wearing saddles at this point. He has started this flogging thing and over a little time I have thought if getting rid of him would be best. I think it may make the hens feel more relaxed. I can't say they are stressed but when he is constantly at them, they squak, he sometimes grabs ahold of them, and they run from him I would say this would is kinda agitating to them.
My thing is I have heard of females taking on the male role when one isn't present and some may even attempt to mate with the other females and sometimes pulling feathers out too. I was wondering would this be just the same as having a rooster then?

Also, I have heard that they will quite laying afterwards because the pecking order has been disrupted. Is this true in most cases or happens every now and then? How long till they recover?

Sorry for all the questions but I would like to know before making such a decision.

 

[journey11]

They'd do fine without a rooster. I had to off an otherwise great roo because he kept trying to flog my toddler. The hens didn't miss a beat, but quickly established their new pecking order. I never noticed any change in egg laying with mine. It looks pretty violent, but the hens are probably not as bothered by the mating behavior as we are! Roos are good for keeping watch over their girls and are very self-sacrificing which is to their credit on this matter. You can always put a saddle on the favorite hens. I found a few strips of duct tape make a great saddle, comes off on its own in about 1-2 months and the feathers all grew back underneath in the meantime. If the roo isn't bothing YOU, I'd let him stay. A flogging rooster is so annoying though and can really take away from your enjoyment of your flock. If that's the main problem, I myself would rather do without a roo. I don't think the hens really care one way or the other.

 

[PunkinPeep]

Are you asking about the scenario if you get rid of your roo?

Many many many people have flocks without roosters. And yes, the hens will have their pecking order, but it is unlikely that a senior hen would inflict as much (or any) damage as an overly aggressive rooster.

I'm not sure if i answered the question you're asking. Is that what you wanted to know?

 

[journey11]

((Hi Punkinpeep, long time no see!

))

 

[PunkinPeep]

Quote:
Howdy!

 

[Hennyhandler]

I guess what I am trying to ask or say is am I going overboard or do I have a legitimate concern.

He has started the flogging recently and that added with the rest I just wondered should I continue with this. After reading other posts on here though it seems as though lots of other people are having bad rooster behavior outbreaks.

Just want opinions on what you think.

 

[PunkinPeep]

Quote:
He has started flogging YOU or yours?

If that's the case, i have little patience. I will do some of the rooster "training" techniques - basically teaching them that you're the boss. But i don't have a lot of patience if that doesn't work pretty quickly - i would boil him. I refuse to raise animals i'm afraid of.