Over 'active' RIR roo, 9 bare backed hens- Let him live?

[suevit]

My poor ladies, my jersey giant is so darn naked I'm thinking of buying her a coat for winter. She appears to be the favorite and is jumped constantly by the RIR and a very dumb polish (Napoleon by name). I just don't know how to fix this. Everyone of the girls looks like she's been rode hard and put away wet, red, red on the side of their butts from so much mounting, no feathers on their backs, some even have feathers on their heads missing, none as bad the jersey. They did develop a picking habit over the winter and I have snipped the beaks of the 'pickers' but that darn RIR...if Napoleon gets with the hen, RIR (topdog) jumps them and STANDS on them for a bit....ooooh I want to choke him.

Issue, do I take both the roos away, or just one. Personally I like Napoleon he sleeps by himself and hangs by himself so I feel a little sorry for him...topdog on the other hand has attacked me on more than one occassion(sp) but the guy who feeds up most of the time likes him..rats.

If we seperate them they will be in a pen that will be within the girls large yard.

Please any ideas would be great.

 

[fordmommy]

Let's start with....

Then... You didn't say how many hens you have. The ratio is supposed to be 1 roo to 10 hens.

And then, they make saddles for hens. Here's a link or two. That will help with the feather loss.

Hope this helps!

http://www.mbldesigns.com/chicken_aprons.html

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=189098

 

[becky3086]

I'd get rid of the roo that has attacked you. Once they feel they are higher than you on the pecking order, they will keep attacking. Sounds like you have plenty of hens and it is the roo that is the problem.

 

[Uppity Peon]

I have noticed that my pullets run for the Jungle Gym to escape from the roosters. She just has to do is perch on top and she can get some rest.

 

[suevit]

I love the gym! I am afraid to get rid of the roo for fear the flock will go into shock! I think I'll find a gym of my own and make some saddles. I've ordered some pick stuff too....Gotta get the girls some feather winters a comin'