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2 hens out of 9 are losing some feather on their back from the rooster

Discussion in 'Emergencies / Diseases / Injuries and Cures' started by Deer lane farm, Mar 20, 2016.

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  1. Mar 20, 2016 #1
    Deer lane farm

    Deer lane farm Out Of The Brooder

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    Aug 26, 2014
    Now today I see where they are losing their feather one of them was all wet and dark and smelly. I don't see any cuts or blood. What can this be? If the Rooster getting poop on the girls back. I smelt like it. I separated them for now. What should I do. Should I get rid of the Rooster? This doesn't happen to any of the other hens. Can I separate the Rooster and let him live by himself with the goats.
    I love my Rooster but I can't have him hurting the girls. Could this be something else, some kind of infection? I don't see any thing but missing wet feathers.
     
  3. Mar 20, 2016 #2
    Eggcessive

    Eggcessive Flock Master Premium Member

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    Can you try to dry out the area with pine shavings or sand? Hen aprons made out of a piece of a square piece of polar fleece with 2 wing slits are good for shielding their backs form over mating. You can limit the roosters time with the hens for awhile or separate him until he calms down a bit. Dull his spurs and beak tip with a file to cut down on his hurting them. Most roosters need 10-12 hens as a good ratio.
     

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