Hens pulling rooster’s feathers out

[Aggiebnb1]

Hi all! Our hens keep pecking the feathers off of our rooster on his tail and feet. Any suggestions on what to do other than re-homing our poor rooster?

 

[Ebony Rose]

Shouldn't need to re-home him, he's actually the good guy in this predicament. He's being henpecked, probably by more than just one hen. It's not uncommon to see a rooster stand non-nonchalantly while he's being 'groomed' by the girls. If this is new behavior for your hens, then it should be an easily broken habit with a product such as Nettex Anti-feather Pecking Spray (and I'm sure other brand names will work too). It will help stop cannibalism and feather pecking among chickens, which is a complex multi factorial behavioral problem of poultry and game birds. It contains a foul-tasting substance with a very strong odor, it is so foul-tasting is should prevent plucking within 1-2 days. If your hens are eating his feathers, then you may need to reconsider what you're feeding the flock; is it low in protein (should be 18-20%). is the feed FRESH? Old feed loses it's nutritional value. Is the feather picker molting or coming out of a molt, or has she recently finished brooding...and in need of higher protein and nutrition?

 

[Aggiebnb1]

We’ve put some gel on him that does the same as the spray and the feed is fresh and high protein. There are multiple hens doing this but we haven’t noticed them eating the feathers. We’ve got him separated for the moment in hopes his feathers will come back. We can try that spray but I’m open to any other thoughts! Thanks so much for yo info!

Shouldn't need to re-home him, he's actually the good guy in this predicament. He's being henpecked, probably by more than just one hen. It's not uncommon to see a rooster stand non-nonchalantly while he's being 'groomed' by the girls. If this is new behavior for your hens, then it should be an easily broken habit with a product such as Nettex Anti-feather Pecking Spray (and I'm sure other brand names will work too). It will help stop cannibalism and feather pecking among chickens, which is a complex multi factorial behavioral problem of poultry and game birds. It contains a foul-tasting substance with a very strong odor, it is so foul-tasting is should prevent plucking within 1-2 days. If your hens are eating his feathers, then you may need to reconsider what you're feeding the flock; is it low in protein (should be 18-20%). is the feed FRESH? Old feed loses it's nutritional value. Is the feather picker molting or coming out of a molt, or has she recently finished brooding...and in need of higher protein and nutrition?

 

[aart]

I'd wonder why they are doing this?
How old are all the birds?
....and have they always lived to together there in harmony?
How many birds in how much space(coop and run in feet and feet-with pics)?

 

[Fairview01]

Many times this is the result of boredom or lack of space. Some hens just do it for whatever reason and the roosters dont protest. It's a weird situation.

Possible solutions are to pr9v9de a dostravtion such as a plastic mayo filled with corn chops with 2 3 holes punched in it just large enough to let a piece out now and again.

Slightly increase calcium. Feather picking can be a sign of calcium deficiency.

Use pine tar to coat any bare areas to discourage the behavior. Nasty stuff, picks up all manner of dirt but has always workef for me.