I'm at my wits end. I have 16 (was 17 till they killed one) birds who are about 17 or 18 weeks old. These are 15 hens and one roo. About a month ago they pecked out the bottom of one of the girls, and despite my best efforts, she died two days later.
Lately the roo has been riding the girls. I figure he is just a bit more "advanced" than the girls. I went out this afternoon and lo and behold, roos' bottom is pecked out.
I have 12 adult hens in half the coop with a wire fence between the adults and young ones. There is more than enough room in the coop but so far the young ones have not been out in the yard yet. We are waiting until all the hens can be together sharing both the coop and yard.
I'm looking for any advice on what to do with these birds. I don't want to risk any further injury and right now we are trying to figure out where to put roo while he heals up. Because he was riding the girls we tried him in with the adults and he was petrified. He stood in a corner, next to the fence and called to his ladies.
HELP - I don't have enough room to maintain two separate coops and runs but obviously have to do something to protect the roo and keep the young ones from harming anything else.
Lately the roo has been riding the girls. I figure he is just a bit more "advanced" than the girls. I went out this afternoon and lo and behold, roos' bottom is pecked out.
I have 12 adult hens in half the coop with a wire fence between the adults and young ones. There is more than enough room in the coop but so far the young ones have not been out in the yard yet. We are waiting until all the hens can be together sharing both the coop and yard.
I'm looking for any advice on what to do with these birds. I don't want to risk any further injury and right now we are trying to figure out where to put roo while he heals up. Because he was riding the girls we tried him in with the adults and he was petrified. He stood in a corner, next to the fence and called to his ladies.
HELP - I don't have enough room to maintain two separate coops and runs but obviously have to do something to protect the roo and keep the young ones from harming anything else.
