Need help/answers

[JayWhit]

Here's my dilemma. I have 2 roosters, and 3 hens. Today I went and purchased 3 barred rock hens about 4 1/2 months old. Same age as mine. The new ones seemed slightly scared when I put them with my other chickens. The roosters seemed around them more so I wondered if that intimidated them. Checked on them 2-3 times, were ok, and at 5:45 we left for a few hours then returned home to check on them. They were all in the coop except one. As I looked she had her scalp pecked wide open and was just standing by the coup. The other two seemed ok and in the coup with the others. Why did this happen? Could it be the roosters doing this? Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Just frustrating and sad. Should I get rid of the roosters? Or is this something that happens? Thanks

 

[Reurra]

Is it torn or pecked? It could be that a roo tried to mount her and she took off while he was still holding on. Their skin is very thin so it may have torn.

 

[JayWhit]

It is actually torn. We Have quarantined the new hens in the coup. And I've also been putting some neosporin on it. She made it through each day so far without dying. She's moved around also in the coup. Since I'm fairly new, I'm curious as to why she always seems like she's sleeping. Do they rest more to heal? The other two hens haven't bothered her any. And the spot looks like it's getting better. The roosters are finding a new home in a few days.

 

[CindyJeann]

I had about 20 grown hens last summer and two roosters were still too many. They can't stand to see a hen mounted with out "one-uping" the guy by mounting her as soon as he is done. They can be a little rough on the hens. One rooster is ok as long as he is sweet. Two roosters means its time for dumplins.

 

[chickencoop789]

The new ones seemed slightly scared when I put them with my other chickens.

When you said that you put them in with the others, do you mean that you put them in the coop and left them there? If you did, you should have let them free range together for a few days to let them get to know each other. Then put them all in the same coop for a day. You want them to be friends before making them live together. One of the other chickens was probably trying to show the new chicken "who's boss" and thats why one chicken got injured.

 

[JayWhit]

I thought about that after the injury took place. I guess I learned little to late. As of this morning all the roosters are gone. Seems like the hens are all getting along now. Thanks for your tip.