Young Roo picking on one Hen

[JHylton]

Hi, new Chicken owner. I have Lavender Orpington Roo hatched approx April 15, picking on EE Hen hatched April 1st, 6 other Hens in flock, just picking on her. They’ve been together since end of April & this just started. I’ve separated her, tried to reintroduce her, & he starts again within minutes. She hides from him...is this normal because he’s a young Roo or should I be worried? I hate keeping her isolated.

 

[sylviethecochin]

Welcome to BYC!

Rule of thumb in these cases is to separate the bully, not the victim. If she leaves, she has to be completely reintroduced to the flock and she'll lose any status she had, becoming the victim of more than just the troublemaker, as the others make sure they don't lose status to the "newcomer." If he leaves, he'll lose status and be forced to regain it before he starts picking on others. The brief respite may or may not break him of the habit.

It's pretty common for a young cockerel to pick out a victim. Which does not mean that you shouldn't be worried. Sounds like he's being a jerk.

 

[JHylton]

Welcome to BYC!

Rule of thumb in these cases is to separate the bully, not the victim. If she leaves, she has to be completely reintroduced to the flock and she'll lose any status she had, becoming the victim of more than just the troublemaker, as the others make sure they don't lose status to the "newcomer." If he leaves, he'll lose status and be forced to regain it before he starts picking on others. The brief respite may or may not break him of the habit.

It's pretty common for a young cockerel to pick out a victim. Which does not mean that you shouldn't be worried. Sounds like he's being a jerk.

Thank

 

[JHylton]

Thank you! I’ll move him out