Is rooster mating at three months normal?

[Nestlee]

Everywhere online always said roosters start mating 4-5 months. Today when I was in the coop I saw my almost three month old probably mating with my older hen or attacking it. He pulled out two feathers as well before I could stop it. Is it normal for him to do it so young? I also have several other roosters if that makes a difference, possibly worried about competition or something? Don’t worry I’m not keeping the roosters just haven’t got rid of them yet because I thought I had more time. I recently just hatched them and never in my right mind would have expected to get this much. Any advice/answers will be helpful at this point.

 

[nuthatched]

normal. some particularly hormonal cockerels can start early.

 

[Nestlee]

normal. some particularly hormonal cockerels can start early.

Thank you very much!

 

[Mrs. K]

yep

And soon he will start crowing - better get plan B set up and ready to go.

 

[Nestlee]

Thanks you.

 

[Tonyroo]

Every time they try it won't be successful because there practicing. But it doesn't help the hen. You need to separate them.

 

[Nestlee]

Thank you. We found a person who will take them so hopefully that will be better.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

My approximately 4 month old roo grabs the pullet’s neck feathers and tries to jump on. Usually they run squawking and the feathers just pop out….. tips?

 

[3KillerBs]

I had that same issue this spring -- boys from the March hatch were already chasing hens in late May/early June.

Most of them weren't successful, being driven off by the senior boys or even the hens themselves, but one had already learned to court hens and get them to squat willingly -- with the apparent permission of the senior boys, who allowed him to do it without interfering.

My approximately 4 month old roo grabs the pullet’s neck feathers and tries to jump on. Usually they run squawking and the feathers just pop out….. tips?

He's learning.

Are they all the same age? That makes for a rougher maturing experience than when a multi-generational flock teaches the boys chicken manners as they grow up.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

I had that same issue this spring -- boys from the March hatch were already chasing hens in late May/early June.

Most of them weren't successful, being driven off by the senior boys or even the hens themselves, but one had already learned to court hens and get them to squat willingly -- with the apparent permission of the senior boys, who allowed him to do it without interfering.



He's learning.

Are they all the same age? That makes for a rougher maturing experience than when a multi-generational flock teaches the boys chicken manners as they grow up.

Yes, all pretty much the same age.