Problem I have never experienced before.

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I've seen this behavior as well, I'm not sure either why they do it, I haven't seen it done to that extent though, is he your only rooster, I think it happens more with single roosters and with older roosters, hens don't do it to randy roosters, they are too busy running, maybe they like abusive roosters.

 

[Folly's place]

I would add that 'culling' means moving the bird out of the flock, which can include rehoming her. Mary

 

[Mahlzeit]

I've seen this behavior as well, I'm not sure either why they do it, I haven't seen it done to that extent though, is he your only rooster, I think it happens more with single roosters and with older roosters, hens don't do it to randy roosters, they are too busy running, maybe they like abusive roosters.

He is plenty randy and they all squat for him to mount them and they are the ones who peck him. Makes no sense to me.

 

[Mahlzeit]

I would add that 'culling' means moving the bird out of the flock, which can include rehoming her. Mary

I sell eggs and they are my layer flock I need all the hens I have.

 

[shortgrass]

Maybe get something that tastes terrible and douse him with it for a while, similar to putting mustard in eggs to stop egg eating?


Maybe Neem oil or rosemary oil... Cinnamon? I'm thinking along the lines of the stuff they used to putvon my nails to make me stop biting them.

It's worth a shot anyway, maybe if they get a nasty taste, they won't be so eager to munch his delicious feathers

 

[chickengeorgeto]

As others have mentioned your hens are not getting enough protein. So they are eating your rooster's feathers to get by.

 

[aart]

Sounds like a bad behavioral habit to me...more on the cockbirds part.
Flock dynamics can be strange.

Is the cockbird the same age as the girls picking on him...hatch mates maybe?

 

[dee34491]

First check Roosters for Mites. Then Spray tail area a suggested deterrent like mustard . FEED cat food a few times a day as a treat it is High in protein. Get the cheap brand that is "round" in shape.

 

[enola]

what type of feed are you using?

 

[Free Feather]

Be creative in trying to find a way to get him to stand up for himself. It took me a while, but I think I am working it out with my cowardly Jersey Giant rooster (not about feather eating, though). I would not kill a nice guy for being too nice...