[SEB]

I have a problem with my light sussex hens (12 hens 1 cockerel - completely free range but locked up at night). My cockerel has started attacking the hens - he has bitten 2 so badly on the backs of their necks that they eaten almost to the bone. Obviously they are now quarantined - but what shall I do - dispatch the cockerel quickly before he eats any more ? Has anyone come across this before ?

[WG.]

Welcome SEB.  Plenty of chook experts on here but I'm not one of them.  Hope you get a solution quickly.

[Aunt Sally]

I don't know much about cockerel as I've not got one.  They do tend to grip on to the poor chooks head or neck when they "tread" them and can do damage.  Some recommend a saddle which gives the cockerel a better foot hold and the he doesn't nee to grab a hold quite so much.  

Glad I'm not a chicken  :shock:

[WG.]

Okay so that's a saddle in your avatar is it AS?  I thought it was a hat  

[alan42]

hes not attacking them hes procreating ( now thats polite for me lol ) he will grip the back of the head for support  if hes a young cock he has just got a bit carried away with himself ( oh to be young again lol ) sometimes though the other hens see a red spot and it trigers the pecking instinct and they all have a little peck making it worse so it probably wasent all the cockbirds fault.
the bottom of some feeders and drinkers are coloured red to attract chickens to them.
he will probably calm down when hes treaded a few hens , felt his feet as they say.
alan

[Aunt Sally]

Would you recommend saddles Alan  :?:

[alan42]

i have never even seen them never mind use them i know they are out there but come on realy i think its a bit ott  what happens do you say quick sadle all the hens the cocks got a glint in his eye lol.
alan

[agapanthus]

Do you need the cockerel....are you wanting more chicks? If not I'm pretty sure the girls would be better off on their own.

[alan42]

very good point agapanthus.
alan

[agapanthus]

very good point agapanthus.
alan

 

[Aunt Sally]

That's my opinion too.   Cockerel = Chicks

[SEB]

Yes he is a young bird - 12 months - and yes we have chicks from him. The pecking instinct makes good sense - but the fact that he has attacked 2 in 2 days made me think he had got a taste for it. I also saw him today pecking at one viciously again but from a distance (ie not the precreation position) so chased him off. He is not aggressive towards us at all. But the two hens really are in a very sorry state. Think I'll keep my eye on him ...

[alan42]

i think thats all you can do i have had a cock kill two hens but it was a bit my fault the run was a bit small for them and the hens couldent get away from him.
good luck
alan