'Rooster Tracks' Left On Hens

[ChickenCrazy14]

Hello!
I've got a Golden Laced Wyandotte rooster that is going on a year old and he has discovered 'what he can do'. His three hens have what I have heard called 'rooster tracks'. He has caused near-bareness on the hens backs and around the back of the girls heads. Short of keeping him separated what can I do? I've heard of saddles for hens, but can those be kept on for weeks on end?
Thanks in advance!
-ChickenCrazy14

 

[ChicKat]

perhaps you could combine periods of having the hens wear saddles, and when they aren't wearing them put the rooster by himself to give the hens a break........

 

[debir1966]

I am interested in replies about this also. We got a rooster on May 22 from a friend for our 9 hens. One of the hens, a supposed-to-be Welsummer, seems to be his favorite hen, he is always with her, even roosts beside her, and I have noticed the feathers are starting to get pretty thin on the back of her neck.

I have started to keep a better eye on her and noticed he chases her around alot too. He is a temporary rooster until I can grow up a meatier rooster to take his place, I mostly got him because we free-range our hens and had read/been told a rooster helps in alerting the hens to danger.

I am worried about him stressing the Welsummer too much with his over-zealous attention!

 

[RedDrgn]

Yes, if they are sized probably, they can be left on a hen for weeks/months at a time.