Should I get rid of my rooster?

[ace6175]

For the most part, he is good, the only problem is some of my hens are bald. He pulls out feathers when on top of them (don't think it's on purpose). I have tried grape kool-aid on their heads with limited success.
I would like to have a rooster around to watch out for the hens, and also I might want to hatch out a few chicks next year.
Is it worth it?

 

[speckledhen]

That's just the way it usually is. How many hens does he have? You can get saddles/aprons for them and that helps with everything except the head feathers he will pull out.

 

[ace6175]

If only there was a way to make little bonnets for them! I have 9 hens, all are 10 months old. Do you think he will outgrow this?

 

[speckledhen]

Well, his mating may slow down as he ages, but he'll still hold them by the head feathers.

 

[catdaddy66]

I am not sure what can be done apart from separating them (roo and hens). Curious though, what does grape koolaid on the head accomplish?

 

[ace6175]

Supposed to be a bird repellant - ingredient in the grapes.

 

[eponagirl]

Can't resist:

ARE there grapes in Kool-Aid??

 

[teach1rusl]

Quote:
Maybe they can't stand the ingredients in FAKE grape flavoring...lol

 

[Loco Gringo]

I was in your shoes a few weeks ago.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=3704447#p3704447

 

[lildinkem]

I just build a run right next the the hens, and every now and then, like once or twice a week let him in with them. Unfortunately that is what Roo's do. They do not care if their woman is bald.