- Aug 10, 2017
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I have tried several roosters over the past few years, both raising them with the girls (surprise roosters) as well as getting a couple of slightly older ones and adding them into the flock. All of them except one have ended up destroying feathers and scratching up backs on my hens. I’d love to keep a rooster because they’re so beautiful, and I’ve had a few that did a good job of pointing out food and protecting their girls. The one that didn’t hurt the hens was already old when I got him, and he was amazing. But I haven’t had any such luck since then. Do I have to accept mangled feathers and scratched backs, or is there hope? How do I find a GOOD rooster? (The number of hens has varied from 8-20, so it’s not like the boys don’t have enough options.
PS I got some hen saddles at one point but I would have to cover too many hens, and it’s too hot here for them to be safe.
Photo is of my current surprise roo, a buff orpington, who has already started baring skin on the small splash hamburg hen.
PS I got some hen saddles at one point but I would have to cover too many hens, and it’s too hot here for them to be safe.
Photo is of my current surprise roo, a buff orpington, who has already started baring skin on the small splash hamburg hen.