roosters pulling feathers out of hens

[eithelhen]

Two of my roosters are pulling feathers out of my hens back, then they pick thru feathers and eat them....
why do they do this?

 

[My 3 Babies]

I don't know why, but you should separate them.

 

[KelsiNS]

Maybe not getting enough protein?

 

[wasntme]

When mine started doing that I gave him some tuna in hopes it was just a protein issue. But - if it's a mating thing, they do sell hen aprons. I saw some at hensaver.com. When roosters mate, the hen can sustain feather damage, gashes, cuts, etc. Have you seen if he was trying to mate or is he picking on her? I had purchased some rooster booster pick no more because my other girls were picking on my Buff Orpington. It only worked for about 10 hours and they started back up again. I suggest separating them (I had to). I put my Buff in a dog crate until she healed because I didn't have any other place to put her!

 

[CowGrrrl]

He needs more protein.

 

[KelsiNS]

My pullets go wild for boiled egg, greek yogurt, and pork chops.

 

[Mehjr10]

Welcome to BYC from West TN !!

They will loose some feathers during the mating process the Cock will grab a mouth full of feathers usually on the back of the head.


Is this when the picking is happening ? Or are they just picking?


If they are just picking feathers, get some higher protein food, starter, cat food, gamebird food. etc!

 

[CowGrrrl]

Smashed eggs will work as a protein supplement

 

[eithelhen]

I have 9 hens and four roosters, All about 6months old, Three are trying to mate i believe, but one is picking on them for sure. I was thinking of culling that one... Thank you for information i am new at chickens!!!

 

[eithelhen]

If i feed them eggs will that make them want to eat they,re own eggs?