hen pecked

[randallchanler]

10 hens with bald backs, figured it was over-enthusiastic rooster so we got rid of him

. and now their wounds are healing.
is this normal? I miss the rooster's call but hated him being so mean.
farmer in Maine

 

[Uppity Peon]

You can purchase or make chicken "saddles" to protect the hens from getting plucked alive. But I think you did the right thing by not tolerating the aggressive rooster. Not all roosters are that abusive.

 

[chickon]

Hey Randall,

Maybe you can get a gentler rooster from somewhere nearby? At my house, it's getting towards that time of year where excess roos that hatched under our hens or came in our straight run of chicks are getting....ah, surplus to requirements. Maybe someone near you has the same situation and you can get a nicer roo for your ladies.

Good luck!
Kate