Rooster damage vs. pecking issues?

[Mrs. Mucket]

Some of our hens that are in with a rooster have bare spots on their shoulders between the wings. I'm not sure if it's caused by the rooster grabbing or if the higher hens are pecking at them. How do you tell the difference? There aren't many bare spots above the tails. The bare areas have gotten larger--like 3-4 inches across--in the past month of winter weather when they are indoors more than out. Any thoughts? I've been putting on BlueKote and now have some very purple hens. Thinking about making some denim aprons for the poor girls.

 

[Jajika]

Hi Mrs. Mucket:

I wouldn't let this go any further. Whether it's the rooster or other hens, you potentiall
have a problem on your hands.

It is possible for you to watch them for bit and see what is going on?

Can you seperate some of the chickens from one another. Being in close quarters
isn't good for anyones disposition after a while.

Whatever you can do to put a stop to what is obviously pecking
is important.

Good luck.

 

[Mrs. Mucket]

I visit them 2-3 times a day and of course even when I spy covertly they are all angels LOL! And after applying BlueKote to the bare backs I never see any purple beaks.

Unfortunately I can't easily separate them during winter weather due to coop space. I'm putting aprons on some of the hens today and will keep spying.

 

[sourland]

My initial guess would be wear and tear from the rooster's feet and nails when he breeds the hens. Can you seperate him from the hens for a period of time?