Serious Injury/ suggestions welcome

[WNYgardener]

Thanks for everyone who showed concern and tried to help. I was able to get the saddle on the hen per micstrachan and Eggcessive's suggestion/instructions. We'll see how it works tomorrow. The image above was particularly useful.

 

[WindingRoad]

I noticed some feathers missing from a young hen, on the upper back near the neck. This morning I noticed blood and more feathers missing towards the lower back. The injury, most likely as a result of pecking, got worth by the evening. As the injuries are likely happening during the daytime, I thought picking her up and putting on a different spot on the roost will not help, though I an going to try it tonight. I don't have a way of separating her. Any suggestions?View attachment 1689948 View attachment 1689949

Do you have roosters?

 

[WNYgardener]

Do you have roosters?

Yes, 2 for 15, and the 2nd in command is particularly nasty.

 

[micstrachan]

I hope it goes well tomorrow! Good job getting the saddle on right away.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I noticed some feathers missing from a young hen, on the upper back near the neck. This morning I noticed blood and more feathers missing towards the lower back. The injury, most likely as a result of pecking, got worth by the evening. As the injuries are likely happening during the daytime, I thought picking her up and putting on a different spot on the roost will not help, though I an going to try it tonight. I don't have a way of separating her. Any suggestions?View attachment 1689948 View attachment 1689949

Yes, 2 for 15, and the 2nd in command is particularly nasty.

How much space do you have - coop/run - square foot of each?
How old are your roosters?
How old are your girls?

I agree, a saddle may help her. I would put some BluKote on the scabby skin, let that dry, then put on the saddle.

As @micstrachan mentioned, you need to know why there is feather loss/damage. Likely your answer is the 2 roosters. That looks like rooster damage to me.
Personally, I would not separate the pullets/hens, leave them all together.
Separate out 1 or both roosters. You mention that one is particularly nasty - what does that mean? He's nasty to people, to the pullets/hens or both?

Photos of coop/run and flock are always welcome.

 

[WindingRoad]

How much space do you have - coop/run - square foot of each?
How old are your roosters?
How old are your girls?

I agree, a saddle may help her. I would put some BluKote on the scabby skin, let that dry, then put on the saddle.

As @micstrachan mentioned, you need to know why there is feather loss/damage. Likely your answer is the 2 roosters. That looks like rooster damage to me.
Personally, I would not separate the pullets/hens, leave them all together.
Separate out 1 or both roosters. You mention that one is particularly nasty - what does that mean? He's nasty to people, to the pullets/hens or both?

Photos of coop/run and flock are always welcome.

Don't roosters grab the neck sometimes while mating? This bird has tail and neck feather loss. Sure sounds like rough rooster(s).

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Don't roosters grab the neck sometimes while mating? This bird has tail and neck feather loss. Sure sounds like rough rooster(s).

Likely cockerels. Yes, they do grab a hold of the neck feathers, sometimes the comb. But where do they place their feet Backs and/or on the wings. Mount/dismount can be rough, even if the pullet/hen squats and is submissive - he still has to climb on - there's big feet, nails (claws) and if old enough, spurs that drag across the back and top of wings.
If the pullet/hen is not submissive - then he grabs whatever he can to catch her - often times the the feathers on her back. One rooster can cause some damage - 2? That doubles the chances of damage.
Look at he photo below - this is really a good one - shows the positioning of feet and how they grab the head/neck.

REF

 

[WindingRoad]

Likely cockerels. Yes, they do grab a hold of the neck feathers, sometimes the comb. But where do they place their feet Backs and/or on the wings. Mount/dismount can be rough, even if the pullet/hen squats and is submissive - he still has to climb on - there's big feet, nails (claws) and if old enough, spurs that drag across the back and top of wings.
If the pullet/hen is not submissive - then he grabs whatever he can to catch her - often times the the feathers on her back. One rooster can cause some damage - 2? That doubles the chances of damage.
Look at he photo below - this is really a good one - shows the positioning of feet and how they grab the head/neck.

REF

That's why I asked if the OP has roosters. It's not always hens that do damage. I'm fond of hens and don't like to see them maligned. KWIM. I saw a rooster when I was about 12-13 attack a little three year old girl. It was awful. Tore up her face badly. Left a bad taste in my mouth for roosters. As I only want eggs to eat I don't have roosters. I love having just four chickens so I can keep a close eye on them.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

That's why I asked if the OP has roosters. It's not always hens that do damage. I'm fond of hens and don't like to see them maligned. KWIM. I saw a rooster when I was about 12-13 attack a little three year old girl. It was awful. Tore up her face badly. Left a bad taste in my mouth for roosters. As I only want eggs to eat I don't have roosters. I love having just four chickens so I can keep a close eye on them.

Yes, I understand. Hens can damage one another like that as well if there's not enough space, boredom, etc. Sometimes you can have a hen that mounts other hens - mounting a lot of times is about dominance/pecking order in a hen flock - it's not sexual.
Sorry that you have a bad taste for roosters. They are fun to have and serve a purpose for breeding, flock master, protection and enjoyment. I don't recommend having a rooster around small children, as you witnessed, they can cause damage. Roosters sometimes do need to be managed. Separate housing right next to the hens works well.

 

[WNYgardener]

Hi All, Thanks again for all who showed concern, came up with suggestions, or wished well. Looks like crisis has been averted for the moment. The bird has been getting extra protein just to help her through the next few days. As of the roosting time this evening, the saddle had remained/is in place. (plz see pics below). I just wish the saddle was an inch or so longer from the tail end. I hope it will stay in place just a few days longer.

We are on the first day of a 4-day cold snap here in Allegany County NY, with temperatures here on the hilltop threatening to dip below zero every night. Intervention would have been a lot of harder, so once more I am grateful to micstrachan and Eggcessive's suggestions and all concerned and well-wishers.