This is my first time ever owning chickens. We started with 2 Chanteclair mutts from my friend and 12 assorted breeds shipped into Ontario from Murray McMurray. I chose a Silver Grey Dorking as my rooster after some research, turns out the mystery rare breed I got with my order was a second dorking roo. Roman, the mean rooster in question was always the most friendly, the first chick to hop out of the brooder to greet me, not afraid when I reached into their space, eat right out of my hand from the get go. Now I wonder if this was first signs of a aggressive roo. Roman started to crow at just 8 weeks!, his comb and wattle are far larger and far more red than Stephano, the other dorking rooster, who until yesterday I was trying to rehome because he really wants nothing to do with me. ...... I think I am changing my mind.
I have witnessed Him attack a number of the hens in particular Goldie, the buff orpington, who he will grab a feather and drag around. The more I think about it the more incidents I can think of....The girls do seem to hang out with him still, while Stephano keeps his distance, I have not witnessed a major fight between the roosters. The final straw was last night I saw Roman attack Bones, my Naked Neck. He grabbed onto that naked neck, and would not let go, the sound was awful, and he left a nasty 3/4 inch gash that was bleeding quite a bit, and as I put them to bed, he did it again.....
Poor delicate neck skin....and then you worry about the others pecking at the blood.
He bit me twice and I thought it was just him trying to grab a freckle.... but now I wonder...
They are 11 weeks now, and I know that they will be working on their pecking order... but this seems just mean, and I worry he will be worse when the mating begins.
Your thoughts are appreciated, I am 11 weeks into my chicken life, and could use some good advice.
I have witnessed Him attack a number of the hens in particular Goldie, the buff orpington, who he will grab a feather and drag around. The more I think about it the more incidents I can think of....The girls do seem to hang out with him still, while Stephano keeps his distance, I have not witnessed a major fight between the roosters. The final straw was last night I saw Roman attack Bones, my Naked Neck. He grabbed onto that naked neck, and would not let go, the sound was awful, and he left a nasty 3/4 inch gash that was bleeding quite a bit, and as I put them to bed, he did it again.....
Poor delicate neck skin....and then you worry about the others pecking at the blood. He bit me twice and I thought it was just him trying to grab a freckle.... but now I wonder...
They are 11 weeks now, and I know that they will be working on their pecking order... but this seems just mean, and I worry he will be worse when the mating begins.
Your thoughts are appreciated, I am 11 weeks into my chicken life, and could use some good advice.
