Roster Making hens bleed

[River Farm]

Hello,
Is there a way to keep my roster from scraping the feathers off my hens and making them bleed?

 

[black_cat]

You can get them saddles, an.d add more hens.

 

[black_cat]

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
How old are your birds, and how many do you have? Cockerels (males under one year of age) do need to learn how to behave, and pullets (females also under one year) mature later than their male flockmates, so aren't interested in them until they are laying eggs.
If you have an adult rooster with hens, and he's injuring them, that's not good behavior on his part, and might be a reason to move him on.
Molting birds can look pretty rough, and aren't to be confused with birds injured by mating behavior.
Mary

 

[RoosterML]

Choot’em

 

[River Farm]

He does not seem to be purposefully hurting them but rather accidentally scraping them with his claws when he mates. I think the pads may be a good idea.

 

[River Farm]

Welcome!
How old are your birds, and how many do you have? Cockerels (males under one year of age) do need to learn how to behave, and pullets (females also under one year) mature later than their male flockmates, so aren't interested in them until they are laying eggs.
If you have an adult rooster with hens, and he's injuring them, that's not good behavior on his part, and might be a reason to move him on.
Molting birds can look pretty rough, and aren't to be confused with birds injured by mating behavior.
Mary

I have 3 hens and 1 rooster. They are about 1 1/2 years old.

 

[Shezadandy]

He does not seem to be purposefully hurting them but rather accidentally scraping them with his claws when he mates. I think the pads may be a good idea.

I really like the "Hen Saver" saddles- they're made of Cordura so his feet won't slip while mating and accidentally spur them when trying to hang on. Also they've lasted for years in rain and muddy conditions.

I use the "single strap" kind that go over the wings. Most of my birds fit a "Medium" - only the truly huge birds need a size Large, despite their size description. If you get saddles that are too big, they will rub against the tail feathers which can eventually cause them to fall out. The 'small' works well on Leghorn sized birds- medium fits almost everything else.

 

[Vickischics]

I suggest getting your girls the Aprons.


Chicken Saddle - Hen Apron - Standard or ... - Amazon.com
www.amazon.com › Chicken-Saddle-Apron-Standard-...

Buy Chicken Saddle - Hen Apron - Standard or Bantam: Patio, Lawn & Garden - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases.

 

[K0k0shka]

I have 3 hens and 1 rooster. They are about 1 1/2 years old.

That's not a very good ratio... The hens are probably getting over-mated. Can you add more hens?