Rooster is hard on hens

[laverne34]

My rooster has my hens feathers entirely rubbed off their backs. No feathers at all. What can I do besides finding a new home for my rooster? I live in AZ and worry about sunburn etc... The hens don't seem to mind but has anyone else had this happen??

 

[Blubrd]

How many hens do you have? If you have more hens it could spread out the abuse. I just decided to get rid of our roo because he was too hard on the hens.

 

[SuziQ991]

I got rid of my roo also for that reason. That and he was getting mean. You have 3 options: get rid of the roo - get more hens - or buy chicken saddles for your hens. Saddles cover up and protect the hens back. A byc'er on here sells them. Look under "Everything else for sale".

 

[SuziQ991]

I got rid of my roo also for that reason. That and he was getting mean. You have 3 options: get rid of the roo - get more hens - or buy chicken saddles for your hens. Saddles cover up and protect the hens back. A byc'er on here sells them. Look under "Everything else for sale".

 

[laverne34]

I only have 4 hens right now....my roo was supposed to be a hen but Susie turned out to be a Roo. I'd like to get more hens but hesitate because of introducing them. I've heard it can be brutle.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Until you can decide on getting more hens, try hen saddles. My roo has plenty of girls but is hard on his favorite. She wears a hen saddle and does just fine.
If for some ungodly reason I had to give up chickens, I would find a way to keep my roo. I adore him.

 

[laverne34]

OK I took a look at the saddles....I'm ready to buy. Just wondering if these will be too warm for my girls in 100+ temps here in AZ??

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Good question. It doesn't get quite that hot here, only in the 90s. You might consider taking them off at night, but that would be a little bit of a hassle.

 

[Falcon61]

Should be fine as long as she plenty of water and shade. You can have 50 to 1 ratio most roosters will have there favorites. you could put him out of the pen if your not hatching. He won't leave. I have several hens without feathers on there backs and others that never get touched. You could try trimming his nails like you have to with turkeys.

 

[laverne34]

Thanks for the advice. I made a homemade saddle out of fleece that she's wearing now but will order a saddle today. I can't really take him out of the pen....he won't last long with our coyotes and bobcats etc. here. I will try trimming his nails and hopefully my hen will recover and grow her feathers back.