Bum feathers gone, is it my Roo?

[rooaroo]

I have two Wynadottes that, unfortunately, have their feathers ripped from their backs and wings by my rooster being romantic. I have made them saddles and one of them got theirs off yesterday dusting. I was watching her dust and noticed her butt seemed red. I locked up my Roo, which made him mad, to inspect. I do not see any evidence of mites or the leg mites, or fleas. No bugs. She is also the only one missing feathers on her bum. Can a Roo also pull feathers out of the butt while trying to be romantic? I can also post pics but wondering if it is possible? Thank you!

 

[JerseyGiantfolk]

Possibly, does your rooster have big spurs? (The big pointy things on the roosters shanks that hens don't have) If he does have big pointy spurs, de-spur him ASAP. I met a guy who's rooster was just doing his thing, and killed on of his hens because his pointy spurs dug into her.

It's good you chicken was dusting, that helps prevent mites. But I'd dust them for mites anyways. It's better to be safe than sorry! I use Adams (R) Flea and Tick spray, it works perfectly

 

[rooaroo]

How do you "de spur" them? That sounds painful. I won't even clip their wings so unless it is something that wouldn't cause him pain I will leave him the way he is. I watched him while he was "charming" her and I can't tell. I only have 3 hens for him, I was suppose to have 6 hens last year and got 3 roos in the mix. I have gotten rid of the other two and he was the sweetest so we kept him. I have 8 new chicks in the brooder now, to help with the ratio and hopefully save their backs....

I will get some dusting powder for sure. Good to just have it on hand. Thank you for your input!

 

[JerseyGiantfolk]

Yes, It sound very painful. But in the wild, roosters would fight, and that's how their spurs would fall off. Supposedly they don't feel as much pain as hens.

Supplies are; Sterile bandage pads, Kwik Stop/starch, and pliers. You'll also need someone to help you, by holding the rooster.

(Have some of the Kwik stop on the bandage pad) What you're going to do is you're going to put the pliers around the one of the roosters spurs. Then firmly, not hard, twist the spur, outward. Then it will pop off. then you can pat the Kwik stop onto the remaining, fresh looking spur.

Don't be alarmed if lots of blood is coming out, or none at at is coming out. I had some roosters I de-spurred and no blood came out, it was just a coating around the new fresh spur.

The roosters actually look prouder when they are done, and go back to do their business.
It's not as bad as dubbing a rooster, let me tell you that