Feather problem

[flopsy]

Our rooster, Foghorn, has been losing feathers. He has an almost bare spot on his chest and another in the center of his tail feathers. I saw Annie (one of our two hens) reach in twice and pull out what appeared to be the stump of two tail feathers from his "booty." She sneaked up behind him, grabbed the stump and yanked it out. Do roosters molt? Could this be the problem or something else? I see feathers of his all over the run and coop.

 

[EweSheep]

Looks like Annie is trying very hard getting his attention

Really, looks like Annie may have a protein defency (sp) if she likes to eat them. Throw out some hi protein cat food, grounded coarsely so they dont choke on them.

Or if you dont have enough room for them, a bigger room or run along with some toys or "treats" will curb the boredom.

 

[flopsy]

Hi! They are getting laying crumbles, plus treats I take them, such as figs, weeds, grass, oatmeal, etc. Do roosters molt? Could she just be cleaning up the feather stubs?

 

[EweSheep]

Treats like hanging a head of lettuce or corn cob so they would have to reach up and peck or make them work for it.

Yes roosters do molt and boy, do they look UGLY!