Young rooster behavior (puffing and charging)

[LaurenRitz]

I just noticed something interesting with my young (14 week) roo.

He got frostbite so I had him in the house for about a month and just re-integrated him last week. POI in case it might apply.

This morning I went out to the coop and saw him flare his neck and head feathers and run at the pullets. He did this four or five times while I was out there. Different hens. They don't act scared or stressed, just run a few steps and go back to doing chicken things.

Is this typical behavior for a cockerell? What other behavior should I be watching for?

My 5 pullets are all between 14 and 16 weeks.

 

[3KillerBs]

I suspect that he both needs to learn how to be a chicken again instead of a person AND how to cope with the raging hormones that are hitting him before they're hitting the pullets.

If no one is getting hurt you can probably let them work it out.

 

[LaurenRitz]

Ok. Thanks. I wondered if that might be the case. He doesn't seem to actually touch them, just puffs up and charges.

What behavior should I be expecting at this point? What would be considered normal?

 

[3KillerBs]

Ok. Thanks. I wondered if that might be the case. He doesn't seem to actually touch them, just puffs up and charges.

What behavior should I be expecting at this point? What would be considered normal?

It's hard to define "normal" when it comes to hormonal teenagers.

 

[aart]

POI in case it might apply.

What is POI?
Where was his frostbite...comb or feet?

His behavior sounds normal to me.
It's good that he isn't chasing them down and pinning them.

 

[Mrs. K]

Be aware - he may need to be pulled out, as this is the beginning stages and often times does lead to pinning them down and constant harassment. If so, pull him out until they are laying.

Beware of his behavior around you also, especially if you have children under the age of 6. More than likely - he has lost fear of people when living with you. Often times this can lead to aggression towards people. Not always, but often. Do be aware.

 

[LaurenRitz]

No aggression toward me yet, and I have no children. He keeps trying to follow me out of the coop, though.

His frostbite was on his feet. He lost several toes, and another was damaged. With only one functional front toe and one rear toe (on opposite feet) I think this might be increasing his frustration.

I should have a place to put him this week, if that becomes necessary.

 

[LaurenRitz]

What is POI?
Where was his frostbite...comb or feet?

His behavior sounds normal to me.
It's good that he isn't chasing them down and pinning them.

POI, point of interest.

His frostbite was on his feet. Since he has only two functioning toes left, and all the pullets are larger than him, I'm not sure he COULD pin them down.

 

[Keeper of Flocks]

I don’t like that he’s following you out of the coop, you don’t need an escort. But, it could be he’s just fond of you. I wouldn’t turn my back to him, though, and I’d even have him do a retreat, before leaving him.
This so he doesn’t begin sneaking up behind to flog.