Hens plucking rooster

[eclectic-em]

My rooster who has been the patriarch of the flock since the beginning started getting plucked by 3-4 of my hens last year. It started with his muffs and hackles and then his vent got plucked bare. There were no additions or loses in the flock in the last year and a half to cause any changes to their group dynamic.

They did not have mites so I don’t think it was grooming. He’s very respectful of the girls so I don’t think they actually hate him but I guess I don’t know how chicken bullying manifests. I have a polish hen and silkies and despite looking super different, they don’t get picked on either.

I thought maybe it was boredom from shorter days since Montana winters are long and cold but it continued even through spring and summer.

I had to separate him 6 weeks ago for his wellbeing to regrow feathers. The culprits do not pluck any of the other hens. Even in my roosters recent absence, they’re perfectly content without plucking anyone. It’s something about him in particular.

I tried to reintroduce him today since his feathers look almost normal now and the same girls started plucking him almost immediately so I removed him once again until I can resolve this.

Does anyone have any experience with hens plucking a rooster for seemingly no reason?

 

[Mrs. K]

Yes, my rooster seemed to adore it. It was like they were grooming him. And yes his muff was gone, and the hackles. The feathers were like glorious treats. But they did quit.

Mine was never pecked bare, and his bottom was fine. Right now, a different rooster is looking ridiculous, as his tail is gone, he has one feather due to molt.

Is he molting?

Mrs K

 

[JedJackson]

Feather plucking usually means protein deficiency, but in this case it seems like it is happening out of boredom and because the rooster is not defending himself. There are several anti-pecking sprays on the market that may help. Otherwise, I don't think there's anything to be done unless you resort to blinders for the offending hens.

 

[eclectic-em]

Feather plucking usually means protein deficiency, but in this case it seems like it is happening out of boredom and because the rooster is not defending himself. There are several anti-pecking sprays on the market that may help. Otherwise, I don't think there's anything to be done unless you resort to blinders for the offending hens.

Oh yes I did try the higher protein feed for months to see if that was a factor and didn’t help.

It’s funny bc my rooster is actually aggressive towards people (but he’s good to them which is why he stays) but yet lets them pluck him despite squealing when they do.

I’ve tried one anti pecking cream I got from TSC that didn’t help but I’ll try a spray for better coverage.

 

[eclectic-em]

Yes, my rooster seemed to adore it. It was like they were grooming him. And yes his muff was gone, and the hackles. The feathers were like glorious treats. But they did quit.

Mine was never pecked bare, and his bottom was fine. Right now, a different rooster is looking ridiculous, as his tail is gone, he has one feather due to molt.

Is he molting?

Mrs K

It’s weird since he stands there and lets them but squeals from the pain so I can’t tell if he’s a fan or not haha. Very strange little man I’ve got.

He only started to molt this last month since I separated him which is why he’s looking much better than before.

I’ve got a hen who lost all her tail feathers at once and looks ridiculous right now too!

 

[JedJackson]

Oh yes I did try the higher protein feed for months to see if that was a factor and didn’t help.

It’s funny bc my rooster is actually aggressive towards people (but he’s good to them which is why he stays) but yet lets them pluck him despite squealing when they do.

I’ve tried one anti pecking cream I got from TSC that didn’t help but I’ll try a spray for better coverage.

Some of those sprays work better than others. The only other thing I can think of are those anti-peck blinders. I believe they work, but it's a little extreme and may not be your cup of tea.