feathers on hens...

[kscottjoyce]

Hello, and thank you for any info you can give. I have three hens and a rooster. The hens are developing a line across their backs where their feathers seem a bit worn down. Just wondering if this could be from the rooster doing his thing to fertilize the eggs or if it could be something else?

 

[dadsdeercamp]

i would say the roo might be a little rough

 

[chickenlover<3]

really how can you tell ???

 

[gritsar]

chickenlover<3 :

really how can you tell ???

Roo damage is typically across the low back of the hen.

To the OP - I would recommend you look into some hen saddles to protect your hens.​

 

[kscottjoyce]

Hmm, rough rooster... Would adding another hen at least make him more satisfied and not as rough with the hens? I do like having him around to protect the hens. Today a feral cat came to check out the hens and he chased it away. He is friendly, he comes up to me and makes a purring noise. Is it harmful to the hens at all?

 

[PepsNick]

The reason that he's probably having a little too much fun is because the best way to go is a rooster per every 10 hens.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Yes, it can stress the hens out. Stress them out too much and they could stop laying or fall ill.

 

[Cindy in PA]

I have had up to 20 hens with one rooster and his favorites still had their feathers worn off. You either want to keep a rooster or you don't.

 

[kathyinmo]

I have pens with only a hen and a rooster, or a few with trios. Generally, I use aprons (or saddles) on the hens. I also let the girls out of the pens some days, just to give them a break from the roosters.

Good luck!