Easyist,least harmfull way to catch a Rogue Rooster

[Sarahndipity723]

I have Buff O's,3 hens & a big Rooster,and 12(separated)6 wk old pullets.Well,my poor lil hens(3)
that are free ranging with the rooster have a significant feather loss on their backs that is now extending under
the wings from back of one poor lil thing.I checked them for mites,everything,and didnt see any sign of issues around vent etc,so I am now assuming that its the rooster whos beatn on them,so,I.d say have two options:
1) Separate him periodically, three days alone in horse stall and a day with them Im thinking,if anyone has any other ideas pls let me know.
2)paint the hens backs with either a home remedy for preventing his pecking(does anyone know of one?)
I have some issues with either solution,if I go with 1),whats the best way to catch a 10# Rooster?I've got a chicken leg catcher rod,however,I think its going to hurt his leg if I keep catching him with it every three days to separate him form the hens-
WHATS THE EASIEST GENTLEST TECHNIQUE TO CATCH A ROOSTER that I can use 2x a wk without causing harm to him??
Hope some of u have some ideas on this OR my other solution:WHAT HOME REMEDY OR COMMERCIAL PRODUCT CAN I PAINT ONTO HENS backs to deter the rooster from pecking their feathers off?Its really gettn bad,poor hens have bare backs!!
Has anyone heard of the product "ROOSTER BOOSTER"and does it actually stop the roosters from pulling off hens feathers?
Soon the rooster will have many other hens to occupy his time as I have 12 pullets that are growing fast and can join the 4 adults in late summer...until then I need some solutions though,the poor hens exposed skin gets sunburned here in Maine and Im going to have to start puttn sunscreen on it!!
My current lil flock, with the exception of the 6wk old pullets,are all free range, my Rottie guards them from the many maurading foxes and coyotes here in the wilds of rural maine...
ANY IDEAS??
Thanks!Sarah

 

[fried green eggs]

You can make or buy a hen saddle that will protect their backs. More hens for him may help Or I have used a large fishing net to catch roosters before they went to freezer camp.

 

[Sarahndipity723]

A Hen Saddle?For real?Huh...Yes,a net sounds good re the Roo,hes kneehigh,about 10#,a big fishermans net sounds good...hope he doesnt learn and run off the second he sees it,though,the lil bugger! Thanks!

 

[MBagel]

Do they roost somewhere where you can get to them? Try catching him at night. Alot less running involved

 

[PouLTryLoVeR828]

Bait him in with another rooster *if u have one. Then after hes distracted use a net and catch him

 

[Sarahndipity723]

Nope,no other Roos,guess I could distract him with a trteat like Sunflower seeds...
Thanks!

 

[Ashburnham]

I use a fishing net- but of course the easiest way to catch him is at night when he is asleep.

 

[Sarahndipity723]

Oh,yeh...I forgot about that! IF I have to separate him regularly,as is the case,that'd likely be the least traumatic... Good ideas,everyone.thanks!

 

[donrae]

Another vote for at night.

 

[fried green eggs]

Yes The hen saddle is just a heavy cloth which covers the hens back and has elastic to go around wings to keep it in place. Grab him when hes asleep if, he's not a light sleeper like mine.

Or, lock the hens in the coop/run and he will stay near them and be much easier to catch with a net.