Hey, all,
I have 11 hens and two roos (not on purpose). They're all about ten months old, and spring is starting to be sprung and the boys are feeling their Cheerioats. The girls are looking a bit worn on the backs. Am I right that there aren't enough hens for two boys? They're not fighting (yet) but the poor girls are looking pretty ratty.
I want to find a home for one (or both) of the boys, but until I do, what can I do to protect the girls? I don't have any place to separate the boys. I don't want to dead either of them. I've read about saddles - can someone tell me more about them? How much do they cost? Do I need them for all the hens or just the ones that are getting defeathered? Can they come off after the feathers grow back? Is this level of mating because of the coming spring, or will they keep denuding my girls all summer? Would I have to leave saddles on forever???
And what will happen when they molt - will the roos leave them alone then, or will they risk worse damage because of not having many feathers to protect them?
Anyone have any advice/ other suggestions? Please?
I have 11 hens and two roos (not on purpose). They're all about ten months old, and spring is starting to be sprung and the boys are feeling their Cheerioats. The girls are looking a bit worn on the backs. Am I right that there aren't enough hens for two boys? They're not fighting (yet) but the poor girls are looking pretty ratty.
I want to find a home for one (or both) of the boys, but until I do, what can I do to protect the girls? I don't have any place to separate the boys. I don't want to dead either of them. I've read about saddles - can someone tell me more about them? How much do they cost? Do I need them for all the hens or just the ones that are getting defeathered? Can they come off after the feathers grow back? Is this level of mating because of the coming spring, or will they keep denuding my girls all summer? Would I have to leave saddles on forever???
And what will happen when they molt - will the roos leave them alone then, or will they risk worse damage because of not having many feathers to protect them?
Anyone have any advice/ other suggestions? Please?