[Helencus]

My cockerel from the April hatch has started trying to tread my ex bats and they're having none of it. Even if the lady reluctantly starts to receive his attentions her mates attack him so poor Angus is getting very frustrated. Is this normal for ex bats? Am I best to get some new POL hens for him?

[daniellestocks]

Poor guy  that would probably be a good idea tho
Feminist hens tho  i see thw funny side 

[Helencus]

Lol I know I thought they'd be struting their stuff trying to catch his eye but no not having any of it at all!

[northfifeduckling]

good for them I would say  as much as I appreciate our boy's other qualities (his beauty and stile, how he looks after his girls unlike the drakes), his favourite girl does have no feathers left on her back and he even tried to hump the youngster yesterday, she is barely 8 weeks old! 

[Helencus]

Well I'd quite like hatching eggs in the future but not necessarily from the ex bats so he needs practice but it is so amusing how they beat him up and he is scared to death of them! Don't anyone question how tough them little birds are.. Just ask our Angus :-)

[darkbrowneggs]

They probably think he's too young and immature, even though he thinks he isn't.  If he is "worth his salt" he'll sort it out eventually.  If not apparently it can emotionally scar them for life to the extent they wont try to mate with any hens, but if he is that much of a woss he is probably a bit of a write of anyway.

I expect it is the "head hen" who is sorting him out mainly - she's not having anyone usurping her rights - that is until he can stand up to her.

All the best
Sue

[Helencus]

Well I watched them for a while this morning and he's a wily one. He waited til I'd filled up feeders so the dominant hens were busy then pounced on one of the others. I think he'll sort them out he's managed to show the other cockerel who is boss now so not fighting now.