Pecking

[ivurhu]

I have a small flock with 3 hens and 1 roo. They are all 11 months old, gotten at the same time. The 2 auracana hens have 1-1/2 inch areas at the base of their tails with little scabs and broken feathers. The australorp hen is fine--no pecking injuries. The roo is a barred rock. I have not observed whether it is the australorp or the roo doing the pecking. It all seemed to start when the auracanas started to moult, several weeks ago. Does this get better or do I need to separate them?

 

[Chickenaddict]

Rooster to hen ratio is 10-12 hens per rooster that may be why but sometimes they get hard molts and ingrown feathers and once picked open the others will kep picking . Try blucoat on the wounds it should deter them from pecking the wound site.

 

[mackenziesmomma]

I was coming on to post almost the same thing. I have 4 hens to my 1 Rooster. All the girls have a small part on their back where they have been pecked.

I will look for the blue stuff tomorrow.

Will putting more hens with the Rooster make him stop pecking?

 

[AngieChick]

I would recommend doing a search on BYC for "chicken saddles" . Some members have used these to protect their girls' backs from overly amorous roos.

 

[ivurhu]

Thanks. I will look for blue coat at the ranch store today. Will also look into chicken saddles.