Rough rooster or bullies?

[Raptorchick]

Hello So, I actually have two questions, they are sorta related. A month ago I separated my rooster because he was rough to my girls, they are missing feathers on their backs and wings. Its been 3 weeks, and it looks like the bald part of their wings is getting more swollen, and none of their feathers are yet returning. Is it possible they are picking on each others bald spots and making them worse ?
Also, does anyone use sunscreen on their hens, or is their anything special/recommended for hens that has spf?
Just curious xp
Thanks all

 

[sylviethecochin]

If the hens' backs aren't cold, the feathers won't grow back until they are cold (or until moult.) I sometimes use a dab of Petroleum Jelly on the back of my one weirdo pullet who likes to hang out with the cockerels. I should just get her a saddle, but it's a bit warm out for that.

 

[MROO]

I have one hen that likes to hang out with the boys, too. She doesn't need a saddle, she needs a bonnet. Her back is fine - but her poor little head is BALD! She's only in with the boys at night, for now, but that's apparently more than enough time. Luckily, the new coop box for the bachelor run is almost finished (weather permitting, this Saturday.) That should help her get her "do" back ... but it won't make The Boys very happy.
Happy Fathers' Day, fellas ... no more for you!

 

[cmom]

Hello So, I actually have two questions, they are sorta related. A month ago I separated my rooster because he was rough to my girls, they are missing feathers on their backs and wings. Its been 3 weeks, and it looks like the bald part of their wings is getting more swollen, and none of their feathers are yet returning. Is it possible they are picking on each others bald spots and making them worse ?
Also, does anyone use sunscreen on their hens, or is their anything special/recommended for hens that has spf?
Just curious xp
Thanks all

You can put Blu-Kote on the bare spots. The other birds may be picking on her. Years ago I had a Buff Orpington that was getting picked on by the others in her flock. I sprayed her with Blu-Kote and put her in with some Rhode Island Reds and they didn't bother her and her feathers grew back in beautifully.

 

[aart]

A month ago I separated my rooster because he was rough to my girls, they are missing feathers on their backs and wings. Its been 3 weeks, and it looks like the bald part of their wings is getting more swollen, and none of their feathers are yet returning.

How old are birds?
Pics of bare backs, please?
Unless a feather is fully plucked out, it won't regrow until they molt.
Crowding, external parasites, and diet can lead to feather picking.

 

[Raptorchick]

My hens are a year old, and I have 5 2.5month olds with them, 2 of the yougins might be cockerels but I'm not totally sure. The pics are my buff orpington Hunter, I have another whos back looks the same but shes too fast for a pic. And thats my rir girl Hershey, they all started with just broken wing edge/baldness, I think hers is old from the roo but Im not sure? Again the roo was moved out 3 weeks ago, how long should it take for this to "heal" in the summer? Also I put sunscreen on them yesterday :/ should I keep doing that?

 

[MROO]

Poor babies! Blu-Kote should take care of most of that mess. And keep those randy little boys contained for a bit - at least until the hormones settle down or the feathers heal!

 

[Jase The Butcher]

My hens are a year old, and I have 5 2.5month olds with them, 2 of the yougins might be cockerels but I'm not totally sure. The pics are my buff orpington Hunter, I have another whos back looks the same but shes too fast for a pic. And thats my rir girl Hershey, they all started with just broken wing edge/baldness, I think hers is old from the roo but Im not sure? Again the roo was moved out 3 weeks ago, how long should it take for this to "heal" in the summer? Also I put sunscreen on them yesterday :/ should I keep doing that?

We had the same problems with our hens, but I put them in the infirmity pen for a couple of months and it all grew back to normal. I found out that the problem was our rooster was too large for their size. What is the size of your rooster?

 

[Raptorchick]

We had the same problems with our hens, but I put them in the infirmity pen for a couple of months and it all grew back to normal. I found out that the problem was our rooster was too large for their size. What is the size of your rooster?

Ok, that makes me feel better, the rooster was separated 3weeks ago so maybe they just need more time. He's a big Rhode island red 1 year old. I just now separated the two possible cockerels to be safe, I think I'll keep spray-sunscreening with the kids sensitive skin stuff every other day, and I'll pick up some blukote tonight. Thanks for the help

 

[Jase The Butcher]

No prob.