Author Topic: Cockerel Trouble (Read 2427 times)

Badger · « **on:** March 17, 2011, 07:58:00 pm »

We are fairly new to keeping poultry. We have 7 hens and a cockerel. For the last couple of weeks the cockerel has been getting more and more aggressive with one particular hen. He isn't trying to mate with her, but keeps on biting the back of her neck and back. This is pretty constant, the hen is very distressed and is forever running to us for protection, he has drawn blood a couple of times now. Any body got any ideas how we can stop him. Don't know if it makes a difference, but he is a Partridge Wyndotte. Failing any cure ...anybody want a stunning cockerel ?.

Badger

northfifeduckling · « **Reply #1 on:** March 17, 2011, 09:22:46 pm »

she is probably his favourite. Randy times are not easy for females

. If he draws blood shut him away until she has recovered. We have an "isolation chamber" (eglu

, for broodies we use) but any spare small hutch with run will do for bullies.

Badger · « **Reply #2 on:** March 18, 2011, 04:55:23 pm »

Yes ,that's exactly what we have done. We thought we would try isolating him for a few days, to see if that makes a difference. Strange behavior, because it is not as if she has declined his mating, they have paired many times in the past.

Badger

northfifeduckling · « **Reply #3 on:** March 18, 2011, 07:49:03 pm »

Drawing blood can make them more bloodthirsty. Try to up the protein intake of your birds for a while before you let him out while she recovers. Let us know how you get on.