Blue Kote on Polish rooster's head

[ChixFlix]

I was considering using Blue Kote on my Polish rooster's head where the RIR hens have apparantly been picking.

Looking at some information about it I found that if I am going to eat the poultry, I should not use this Blue Kote.

I take it to mean if I use it once, and decide to consume the bird a year later, DON'T!

Am I correct?
Also, supposedly the fumes are harmful. I guess I should use the dauber type, then, since I'm treating his head.

Or should I just not use anything?

OR is there another alternative?

Your thoughts are welcomed.

 

[mmajw]

Blu kote is safe even if you are going to eat the meat later on. It is used on pigs and cows as well that people eat.

 

[ChixFlix]

Hi, thanks for the info.

Does BlueKote actually work to keep the hens from picking the Polish's head?

It's so bad now, he's 1/2 bald. I can't keep him separate, I only have one coop. Plus he'd be miserable without other chickens around.

If I also color his white feathers on his head with the blue stuff, will that help too?

Advice appreciated!

 

[tnkinhunting]

I use Bag Balm - slather it on - the hens will get one taste of it and that's the end of that or it has been for me! I like it better than blue kote - if there is bleeding, blue kote covers it up and the bag balm keeps them from picking. They hate it!

 

[ChixFlix]

Thanks for the info. Never heard of this Bag Balm before. Sounds like vaseline with a bad flavor!

I'll try anything to keep the poor thing from going bald (he's already got a bald spot the size of a 50 cent piece) although he doesn't seem to mind them picking on his head!

I've only seen one or two doing it - but who knows what goes on when I'm not watching.

Your input is appreciated!

 

[SoccerMomof7]

I just used betadine and vasaline. They hate the vasaline also, and I used the betadine to clean the wound.

 

[ChixFlix]

OK, I tried the betadine/vaseline yesterday.

Unfortunately, right after the hens saw the betadine spot on the rooster's head, they gathered around like it was a free buffet and kept picking at him - mercilessly!

One went back 8 times to eat the vaseline! What a weird bird! Since he didn't raise a fuss, I wonder if he even felt it. He just stands there while they pick at him. Another weird bird!!

I grabbed him, took the vaseline off and used the blue kote on the bald spot.

After that, one or two still pecked at it but quit very quickly - and he looks no worse today than yesterday.

I'll keep using the blue kote dauber until he starts to grow new feathers. Hmm...I wonder if he will grow new feathers?

I do appreciate all your help, thanks!

 

[mmajw]

I have found that mine love the taste of vaseline as well. I havent tried bag balm though. Good luck with him

 

[SpottedCrow]

If they keep picking at him, you can also use Bitter Apple or Better Bitters on him...That worked when Obelisk was picking at Slifer's bum and Penny's back.

 

[ChixFlix]

OK, this is getting out of hand.

Now, even with a purple head, the two biggest girls are picking so much his head is bleeding.

I see lots of innovation for interesting items like poo-catchers and chicken saddles. Any ideas for a little cap to keep on his head to keep the RIRs from eventually eating his brains right out of his skull?

If I was to use some tape to keep a bandaid or something like that in place, what type wouldn't rip his few remaining feathers off his head?

I can't keep him separated, there's no other place to put him, and he'd be miserable anyway. He's 92 days old today, and now has 4 notes in his crowing song. But because he's naturally smaller than the RIR hens, he's just being "hen pecked."

Any ideas?

BTW, I didn't get the bitters spray, because he has open wounds on his bald head.

Thanks in advance for your help.