Back injury

[Plum_A]

Hi all

I saw a disturbing thing today, and I'm not sure if it's a "pecking order" thing or if my roo is being too rough with this particular hen. Fwiw, this roo is the most, ermmm, "active" roo I've ever seen...

I tried to post pictures, but I don't know how to submit a pic from my desktop, so I'll have to describe it: feathers gone, peck marks, in one particular spot in a perfect circle on a hen. Not a lot of blood, just little, dried, pricks.

It appears that she's either been mounted and pecked hard or just pecked. I suspect it's from the roo because there are other, similar wear patterns on two others, but not to the point feathers are missing and tiny "holes" are in her skin. I've applied antiseptic - but my questions are:

a) Is this from the roo mounting her or -
b) Is this from the other girls picking on her or -
c) could it be some sort of mite or infestation if it's only one (so far) and there are "wear" patterns on two other hens?
d) should I separate her or him?

 

[Imp]

Could be any or all. Maybe this hen is his favorite.

Imp

 

[miss_thenorth]

I had a roo who was a clutz at mating--he wore the feathers off most of my girls. He has now been replaced, and the new roo is much gentler with the ladies.