Hey Two Crows

[TwoCrows]

Thank you, I'm having a hard time trying to separate my hens but with a 6x8 coop, I can't see it possible. If I split the coop, either way, they either will have food and water and no nests for eggs and vise versa. plus having trouble getting onto their roosts. I'll probably have to wait and build another addition on the side of the coop. I was out there for 2 hours trying to figure it out. I have to take off the spikes on the rooster again pretty soon, they are about 3/4" long. That is where the feathers are going on their backs and I've only seen one hen plucking feathers on the rooster and she don't on any of the hens. I can't just separate him because he just goes wild until he finds a way back with the girls. He actually fights the fence. He once started digging under the fence I separated them with. I'm afraid to try to put cream on him because he finally quit attacking me and I don't know if he'll start again.Thank you for your help. I'm sorry to bother you so much. I'll figure out something.

Can you cage the rooster for a few hours a day? Giving the hens a break for some of the day? Maybe keep him in the coop while they are out in the run and then keep him in the run and the hens in the coop. He will continue to tread the feathers right off their backs if you don't. Hen saddles won't stay on??

Don't apologize! I don't mind helping at all. But sometimes I just don't have the answer either. Wish I had more knowledge about things.

 

[chickie farmer]

Yes, I will block him in (or out) of the coop. I was thinking about that yesterday. He has already made two of my hens bald. even the elbows. I have another starting to get bald also. In fact one of them had a little blood on his back, so I put blu cote on her. I noticed a drop of blood coming out of one of it's broken feathers. One of my hens still has it's saddle on. I believe she got used to it. I left the other one off (the one that had shrunk), She pecked at the snaps until she got it off. I got most of my knowledge from Gail Demarows book on raising chickens. plus reading these forums. Learning from you and others. Really helpful.

 

[subhanalah]

If the feather is still bleeding, you need to pluck it.

 

[TwoCrows]

I would not pluck a bleeding feather. This can damage the follicle and cause the feather to grow back improperly. Use corn starch on the end to stop the bleeding. If you are removing the roo, you might not need the hen saddles. They themselves can cause feathers to bleed or not grow in right. Use Blu-kote to hide the bald skin and growing feathers and you might be ok.

 

[subhanalah]

It's what my vet said to do. Won't it not stop bleeding?

 

[TwoCrows]

The problem with plucking a feather is that it is attached to the follicle. During a molt, this follicle lets go of the end of the shaft. You can damage the follicle when you pull it out and cause the feathers to grow in poorly or even under the skin. If it is really bleeding badly, you can pluck it. But most blood feather bleeding can be stopped with corn starch. They will continue to grow as well.

 

[subhanalah]

Thank you!

 

[chickie farmer]

I sprayed the spot with blu cote and this stopped the chickens from pecking it. It stopped shortly afterward. Today I checked and it is dried up. I'm trying to separate the roo for a few hours but as soon as I open the pop door, they all come running out. I have to try to catch him inside or outside the coop.

 

[roostersandhens]

Holy Crow!!! You all know how to make a person turn red!!!!

Yes, they are Black Australorps and they are all I keep! They are so docile, affectionate, friendly, and love to sit on my lap. I can't sit anywhere without a chicken wanting to sit on my lap!! And they fight over who gets to sit closest to mommy! They are excellent layers as well. My girls are 3 years old and most of them still lay everyday, if not every other day. I have nothing negative to say about BA's. Just the sweetest birds you can imagine. I don't eat mine, but if you want a dual purpose bird, these birds would be great eating. Very meaty birds as well.

So yes, get some Black Australorps!!!!!!

Haha! I have a scar on my leg from to Australorps fighting over who got to be held first I took it as a love scar!

 

[TwoCrows]

Quote: A love scar!! Love it!

I had heard that Australorps were friendly, but WOW! They are amazingly sweet and docile. Love my babies!!