Rooster has torn the skin on the sides of my EE hen

[oregonkat]

I have a roo that has picked one of my EE hens as his favorite mate and in so doing he has torn two slashes in her sides that have gone clear through to the meat underneath. I have cleaned the wounds as best I can but the flesh is badly torn. Have I lost her? I have sequestered her, what else should I do? Thanks. Oh, and can I cut the roosters claws or something?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I've had Tom turkeys do the same to the turkey hens. They do heal up with time. I personally would remove the rooster for a while to give all the hens a break if he's mating that much.

You can trim both toenails and spurs. I have never had a rooster rip open a hen. I would think long and hard as to whether he's a rooster worth keeping.

 

[oregonkat]

I think you are absolutely right. He is exceptionally beautiful, a Black Copper Marans which is a breed that I have had GREAT success with in terms of wonderful, gentle roosters. He may not fit that description. He may, in fact, make a great dinner! Thanks.

 

[theoldchick]

You can try a hen apron:

Though I have found that simply removing the rooster from the flock solves this problem.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I know many folks use aprons with great success, but I find it a bit unfair that the hen is uncomfortable while the rooster walks around free and continues to mate too much. I prefer the rooster gets removed, either temporarily or permanently depending on his other qualities. I'm all about girl power, and taking care of the hens first.

 

[oregonkat]

I agree with the removal of the rooster. I cant afford to lose one of my best layers. So, tonight he goes to the great coop in the sky.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would make the same decision.

 

[oregonkat]

So I thought I might send an update to this situation. I did get rid of the rooster and by some extraordinary stroke of luck and design my hens sides healed up like nothing ever happened. I find nature to be totally AWESOME! I thought there would be at least bald patches on her sides, but no, nothing. Feathers grown back, all is well with her.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That's wonderful to hear, chickens are really good at healing up.

 

[theoldchick]