My coop and run are divided into two seperate sections. Both sides of the coop are 10 x 7 (70 sq. ft.) One one side I have seven hens and one roo. On the other, I have 10 hens and one roo. both runs are very large.
The problem I'm having on the side with the fewer hens is what I guess must be canibalism. I've looked for lice with a magnifing glass and can't see anything. Four of the hens have developed bare patches on their backs which started out the size of a quarter but have gotten much larger. Only two hens will keep their saddles on, and fortunately one of these has gone broody so she is laying low in her nesting box. I'm treating all with neosporin and Blue Kote, but the two who won't wear the saddles are getting worse and I'm really starting to worry about them. My next plan is Pine Tar - can someone please tell me where to get this? All are eating well and have access to a large run every day. Even when we had deep snow, I shoveled enough space and put down straw so they have never been confined to the coop for more than one day (while I shoveled...)
The other side of the coop the problem is, I guess, the roo. He is wonderful! Respectful of me, protective of the gals, I have no complaints about him except that the hens are showing signs of his "attention". NONE of these gals will wear saddles and several are developing bare spots on both backs and shoulders and they are only getting worse. I'm also treating with neosporin on the bare spots. I HATE the thought of culling this roo for only doing what he was hired to do!!! HELP!!!
Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. These are all nice, happy birds who lay like crazy and I hate to see what is happening.
The problem I'm having on the side with the fewer hens is what I guess must be canibalism. I've looked for lice with a magnifing glass and can't see anything. Four of the hens have developed bare patches on their backs which started out the size of a quarter but have gotten much larger. Only two hens will keep their saddles on, and fortunately one of these has gone broody so she is laying low in her nesting box. I'm treating all with neosporin and Blue Kote, but the two who won't wear the saddles are getting worse and I'm really starting to worry about them. My next plan is Pine Tar - can someone please tell me where to get this? All are eating well and have access to a large run every day. Even when we had deep snow, I shoveled enough space and put down straw so they have never been confined to the coop for more than one day (while I shoveled...)
The other side of the coop the problem is, I guess, the roo. He is wonderful! Respectful of me, protective of the gals, I have no complaints about him except that the hens are showing signs of his "attention". NONE of these gals will wear saddles and several are developing bare spots on both backs and shoulders and they are only getting worse. I'm also treating with neosporin on the bare spots. I HATE the thought of culling this roo for only doing what he was hired to do!!! HELP!!!
Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. These are all nice, happy birds who lay like crazy and I hate to see what is happening.