2 hens are missing fingers off their combs

[pinato]

Two of my hens have one of the little fingers of their combs missing, like they've been pecked off. I've seen the rooster grab a separate hen by her comb once before but didn't seem to do any damage so I'm assuming it's the rooster that did this to my poor hens.
1. how sensitive are the combs?
2. should I remove the rooster for a little while?
3. could it be their coop is cramped?

a little about the chickie environment: I have a run that is 8'x8' attached to their coop which is 4'x4'. I have 5 hens + 1 rooster. I let them roam the yard during the day and put them in the run/coop in the evening.

Thanks!
-P

 

[aart]

Coop space is tight...and could be you have an overly aggressive cock/erel.
How old are birds?
If they are young - like 4 months, I'd get the male out of there until the females mature...or forever if you don't NEED a male.