Our rooster has started "ostracizing" some of the hens from our small (8) flock. Nothing has changed in almost a year--same rooster, same hens. He doesn't allow them to eat with the flock or free range with them. The most recent hen being shunned is our oldest and his long time side-kick. I can't find an explanation anywhere! Any ideas? Dianne in the Hudson Valley
Sister #749
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts
Posted - Oct 23 2011 : 08:51:55 AM
michele or one of the chicken girls i bet will know. he must know or think something we cannot. since she is old maybe he is kicking her out because of that. kinda sad. i will watch and learn too sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm farm girl #1014
Hi honey when this happens it means there is something off with the hens that you may never see but he can or sense.......they may have something inside that is changing the way they smell.....or even act that he notices so what he is doing is protecting what he thinks is his healthy hens & trying to drive the ones he thinks are not away...he is making sure his healthy hens get the food & by being mean to the unhealthy ones it keeps them away....its sad but you may have to separate the ones he is beating up on to an area where they can eat & drink water without him harassing them...they also may need to be separated in the coop to prevent him trying to kill one he thinks is a threat.....I had one that my roo decided he would not allow back in the coop at all....I knew something was wrong with her so brought her into the house nursery where she died a few days later from a impacted gizzard......good luck dear hen...Michele'
Thank you so much everyone, especially Michele. "Lucky" (so named because she has survived so many predator attacks to our flock)seems healthy to us but maybe the rooster knows better. I will take your suggestions Michele. Dianne
Sister #749
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci
Hi Farm Friends, My hen "Lucky" is doing well. She looks and acts fine to us and Rocky the Rooster seems to be leaving her alone. Not sure what was going on but it wasn't something we could figure out on our own. I will keep you updated. Dianne in the Hudson Valley
Sister #749
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci
that is so good to hear...sounds like whatever had her off that the roo noticed is gone or he would still be messing with her...so she must have gotten better & they are all back to being happy chicks....michele'
Just wanted to update you and thank you again for all your advice. Lucky the Hen is back with the "in crowd". She is eating and roosting with the flock again. No one told me raising chickens would be so emotional! LOL! Dianne in the Hudson Valley
Sister #749
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci
I am so happy to hear that your girl is back to being herself & back hanging out with her family. I once taught 1st graders in Art & when I see mine act out thats what I always think of...kids throwing temper tantrams...lol.....it always amazes me how something so low to the ground whether child or chicken can make so much noise & look like the sky is falling...lol.....Michele'
Rooster Behavior Not in Books
Posted - Oct 23 2011 : 07:15:00 AM
