The Poultry Keeper

Elly · Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 291 Location: Norfolk

We have a cockerel that runs with our 4 hens at moment only 3 as other is broody) and seems good at protecting them. He even lets them get the treats first Laughing

Trouble is I have noticed he is bullying our white star and I caught him attacking her head front on earlier. She seems OK but I am worried he is going to hurt her Sad

I am also concerned how he will take to the new chicks when they are a bit bigger. Hubby does not seem keen to get rid of him and he is a beautiful bird, yet I think he is getting to rough to leave with the ladies and they all go mad if they are seperated Confused

Help, what is best to do?
Keep smilin
Elly

EGirl · Joined: 01 Nov 2007 Posts: 1127 Location: Dublin, Ireland

HI Elly, sorry no one has replied to you. I'm not sure if I can help as I don't keep a cockerel, but do have a problem with a bullying hen so I'll be watching responses closely. Good luck!

CP · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 12:46 am Post subject:

He may just be trying to mate & the hen's not interested. Rolling Eyes

Sometimes it can look quite brutal because if the hen's not receptive she will squeal & squark & pull away while the cockerel's hanging onto her head feathers. Shocked

It may look like bullying but I would think it probably isn't. I have never had a case of cock=hen bullying though but others may have??

Elly · Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 291 Location: Norfolk

Thanks for the replies Smile

I have witnessed him mating all of them, but this was different. He just went straight at her head from the front Confused

All is quiet at the moment so just going to keep a very close eye.

I am really worried about introducing the new chicks though, so any advice would be great Wink

Keep smilin
Elly