Popular Hens

[farcus7415]

Good evening all. I'd like to as for some words of wisdom. I have a few popular hens that the boys (Mr. Waddles, Chicken Hawk and Mowhawk) are fond of. Their poor wings and backs are virtually featherless. The raitio is 19 hens to 3 Roo's. Two Roosters are Australorps. They are some very big boys. Around 10lbs a piece. Long story short I have some neked girls. I was wondering if y'all could suggest what best apron and wing protector to get? I'd really like them to grow them back before winter sets in. We had large amounts of snow last year and I feel this winter may be the same. I don't want to them to lose important body heat. Would love your feedback! Thank you so much~

 

[sylviethecochin]

1. Are you certain it's not just early molt?
2. Have you tried filing/clipping the roosters' spurs?
I mean, from your picture, that's a lot of hens to saddle.

 

[farcus7415]

1. Are you certain it's not just early molt?
2. Have you tried filing/clipping the roosters' spurs?
I mean, from your picture, that's a lot of hens to saddle.[/QUOTE

Only a few hens are showing feather loss. So I was thinking about 5-6 will be needed. Yes the spurs have been cut. I don't feel it is molting due to when spring hit this is when I started to notice feather loss and has since then become worse. My boys are rather frisky. Thank you for your responce~

 

[chicks are life]

Ratio of hens to roosters: ten hens to one rooster

To many roosters and the hens will get over mated which causes bare backs and necks.

Feathers take along time to grow back.
Saddles for me don't really work mine kick them off no matter how many many straps and buckles I put on them

 

[sylviethecochin]

Sorry for not being of any help. We generally just cull too-frisky roosters (why put up with the hassle when new roosters are so easy to get and there's so much selection?) so I'm not overly familiar with saddles.

 

[farcus7415]

Ratio of hens to roosters: ten hens to one rooster

To many roosters and the hens will get over mated which causes bare backs and necks.

Feathers take along time to grow back.
Saddles for me don't really work mine kick them off no matter how many many straps and buckles I put on them

Howdy~ Recently I found a home for one of my Australorps, so this may eliviate our feather problem as well. We will see~

 

[farcus7415]

Sorry for not being of any help. We generally just cull too-frisky roosters (why put up with the hassle when new roosters are so easy to get and there's so much selection?) so I'm not overly familiar with saddles.

No worries, I appreciate the feedback!

 

[farcus7415]

Ratio of hens to roosters: ten hens to one rooster

To many roosters and the hens will get over mated which causes bare backs and necks.

Feathers take along time to grow back.
Saddles for me don't really work mine kick them off no matter how many many straps and buckles I put on them

Thank you for your insight. I did not know the best ratio. I will look into it. TTFN

 

[chicks are life]

The least number of hens a rooster can have is 7 but ten is best.

 

[gina5]

Question. We were told we were getting 4 pullets and a roo. Turns out we have 3 roos and 2 hens. There not mating yet but a co-worker just informed me that my toos may hurt my hens when it becomes time. They all get along right. Should I separate them or get more hens?? Help!