Roo tearing up his ladies combs

[aleebama]

Hi, I have two Silkie roosters who are one-yr-old. I know they're still getting the mating thing downpat but they are being really rough on the combs of the hens. Is there some type of salve or ointment I can apply to their combs that will deter the roos from biting them when they mate? A few of their favorite girls look awful. I don't think it's a roo to hen ratio problem because I have 23 standard sized hens with 2 small roosters. Any ideas ?

 

[Keltara]

Some rooster are just not very kind to their girls. Since there are roosters who are more gentle, It would be freezer camp for me.

Kelly

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Our Country Chronicles

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[WalkingOnSunshine]

Some rooster are just not very kind to their girls. Since there are roosters who are more gentle, It would be freezer camp for me.

Kelly

✿​

Our Country Chronicles

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I agree with Keltara. Not all roosters are this rough, and I wouldn't keep one who was.

 

[azygous]

Try trimming the pointy end of the upper beak, and file it so it's round and smooth, careful not to go into the quick.

I'd guess the damage is occurring from the sharp point on the beak as the hen struggles against the hold.

I wrap the chicken in a large bath towel to immobilize it, and if you can bring the towel up around to cover his eyes, even better. Chickens are much calmer when immobilized with their wings held tight against their body, and if they can't see what you're doing, they won't be afraid.

Use dog/cat nail clippers and an emory board to file the edges smooth.

 

[aleebama]

Thank you, everyone for replying. I am going to go the beak trimming route and then the hatchet if that doesn't work. Both roo's are Silkies and I really think they are just doing all they can to hang on! HA! but they're going to have to find a way to be gentler. I posted because I was truly unsure if this was a normal problem since I am only into my 2nd year of having my own flock. Thanks again!