bleeding from being pecked during molt

[1n0o]

Thank you so much for all of the replies. I will take pictures tomorrow. My kids let her out when the other chickens went out today and said she went straight into the big coop and never walked around outside. They put her back into the little coop before the other chickens when to roost. She is pacing back and forth back in her little coop now. It is right next to the run. I took her some meal worms today. She is pretty ticked off at me, though, for putting her in the little coop. I will try to find some feather fixer also and then get some pictures uploaded. I am feeling pretty guilty but know I need to keep her separated to keep from getting pecked. Sometimes chicken behavior is just hard to watch.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I will try to find some feather fixer

I personally wouldn't switch feeds... just offer a little extra protein. Some scrambled egg, tuna, meal worms, chicken, peas, ground beef... whatever.

The pacing and ticked is normal... and yes, hard for us to watch.

IF I did switch feeds it would be to a flock raiser or unmedicated starter... 20-22% protein, OS on the side.... that's me though....

 

[1n0o]

She has been in the small coop for 2 days now and when I brought her inside today to take pictures, I am amazed at how quickly her feathers are coming back in on her back. The bloody scab is now healed. It is definitely the rooster!! I just thought she was molting. Thanks so much for the help. Last night after everyone went to roost, I did put her back into the big coop with everyone and then I got up before sunrise and got her off of the roost and put her back into the little coop. She refuses to stay in the area that is weather protected and I couldn't bear the thought of her being cold and wet with the rain last night. We loved on her for a while and then put her back into the coop. She initially "got away" from my daughter and the rooster immediately ran to try to jump on her. My 6 year old shooed him away. Now he is out there trying to figure out how to get into the little coop. My mother is working on a hen saddle and I will put that on her tomorrow when it is finished, Apparently, it has heart prints. Here are some pictures and I hope you all can confirm this really is from the rooster. I'm so glad to see how much she has perked up in the last 48 hours. F
Questions: Should I keep her in the little coop at night even though she will only stay in the bottom....cage all 4 sides or should I put her in the big coop and just get her out before everyone else wakes up?

When I get the saddle on her, do I then put her back with the flock?

 

[1n0o]

If it just involves her rump area, she is being over-bred by the rooster and then maybe the other hens are picking at her afterward. You can order saddle aprons to protect the hen's backside and I would strongly suggest investing in one for your girl! Also they are attracted to the sight of blood, so you want to keep them apart as long as there is a wound. There is also an antiseptic product called Blu-Kote and it dyes the area blue, so other birds won't be attracted to pick at the wound. Keep her separated like you have, keeping her cage in the main run so she is still seen as part of the flock, until you are able to do one or more of these things. She may be upset but this situation could get way worse. Be strong for her, spoil her with cuddles and treats but keep her apart from the others.

I posted pics below. I do believe it is the rooster now after reading all of the advice

 

[1n0o]

yes...I can take pictures tomorrow and post them.

posted pics. thanks

 

[red horse ranch]

Definitely the rooster! She needs a saddle and kept away from him until she is feathered out again. Most chickens will have their 1st adult molt at 18 months so she may have to wear the saddle until after her molt. I have saddles on several of my young hens and the rooster don't seem to bother them quite as much when they are wearing it.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

When I get the saddle on her, do I then put her back with the flock?

I would have have the boy locked in the small coop while she recovers... Why should SHE have to be the one who is separated if HE is the one causing the problem?

All my boys get a chance to mature and cool their jets a little before access to the ladies. And then I use limited access if he still needs more time.

 

[1n0o]

My mom made her a saddle today. It seems to fit perfectly, but she is not happy. I noticed a few of her wing feathers are broken also. I bribed her with pizza crusts and cuddles in the house. I put her back into the big coop since all of the other birds are roosting already. I will get her again before sunrise. Or maybe I will throw BBQ Jack's butt (my rooster) in there for a day or two. Of course, he would probably fuss very loudly and my neighbors might complain. Thanks for that idea, Eggsighted4life

 

[red horse ranch]

It looks good and covers her well. All of my hens will do contortions and walk backwards at first when the saddle is put on. They adjust to it very quickly.
I agree with @EggSighted4Life that the rooster is the one who should be confined for a while.

 

[micstrachan]

+2 to confining the rooster, though I don’t have experience with this myself. So glad you put a saddle on her. I was going to suggest it, but read through to find you were already on it. Good job.