Should I kill him? Update: she didn't make it

[chickenfever]

I came home today to find one of my BO hens laying by herself. On closer inspection, someone has pecked her so badly on her neck and back that it goes to the meat. I considered putting her down,but I decided to wait and see how she does overnight. I don't know if I am doing the right thing. I just don't want to lose her. I guess it could have been going on for a short while and I may not have noticed because it is kind of covered by feathers, but most of the damage must have happened today.
I checked my other girls and a few have matted looking feathers like someone is really getting after them. One EE had her skin broken a little as well.
I put the two in a makeshift hospital box w/a heat lamp,food and water for tonight.

So, should I kill my rooster? Would the girls do this to eachother or is it probably all him? Why would he do this?

 

[GopherBoyFarms]

I wouldnt kill the roo just yet.
I would try to take care of the hurt one....keep her quiet, and warm, and maybe in a pet taxi in the house. rinse the wound out, keep it clean, you can use neosporin on it, just not the numbing kind...that can be fatal to a chicken.
Keep an eye on the flock and see if it is the roo or maybe all the girls ganging up.

Do they have enough room? They pick at one another when bored, or if over crowded.

We have have 1 rooster with 25+ hens and he has never once hurt them (maybe a few missing feathers around their necks but never broke skin, and he is a HUGE 20+ pound cochin rooster.

Hope she heals up and makes it.

Good Luck!!!



~Tiff~

 

[luvmychicknkids]

How many hens are with your rooster? The girls will peck at each other if there is any kind of injury, so it is quite possible that he hurt them and they then continued hurting each other. Some roosters are just really rough. It is recommended that you have at least 10 hens per rooster but I know some have to have more. They make little saddles that cover the girls backs if they are being hurt by a roo.....that might be something to consider once they are healed. Sorry and I hope your girls get better soon.

 

[thewarriorchild]

Most likely your rooster. Keep your hen warm, give her vitamins,scrambled eggs, and put neosporin on it. You could run saline water over it to clean it out. I would bet with a little love and care you should see them all ok.

As for the rooster.... I have three I need to get rid of. I wish I could just kill them myself. It seems like such a waste.

What is your ratio of girls to boys?

 

[GopherBoyFarms]

looks like she has 14 to 1 (signature line) so thats "ok" but I like stacking the girls a little more....that way the roo wont over due it on one girl.

 

[chickenfever]

Well, I have a BA roo ( the culpret..I think). A cochin roo, very docile. And 13 hens. (15 standard chickens total)
The cochin roo also has the mattted, broken feather look on his back and neck, as well as several of the girls, as if someone is pecking them. Now I don't think the girls could even reach the cochin roo's neck.
I think they have enough room, they have a very large yard, are let out to free-range alot. The coop is kind of smallish, 32 sq feet, but they are usually never in it. And I have had these chickens all together since babies-July of last year-. I don't think the pecking is occuring inside the coop.

If I get rid of the BA roo , would the cochin step up and fill the role? Would he be too big for my EE hens? What would keep him from doing this again if it's him?

 

[chickenfever]

Quote:
So how many girls do you recommend to a roo. I do have two roos and 13 hens, but my cochin roo never mates the girls. He is too bullied by my BA rooster.

 

[highcountrychickens]

Are you SURE it's your Roo? Once you have your hen stable, I'd hang out and just watch the flock for a bit if you can... My hens have surprisingly been the culprits more often than not. My poor Roo and a sweet Jersey Giant hen are only now beginning to recover feathers thanks to the employment of some pinless peepers. Who knows why they snap like this - but they do.

I have also been given the (rather impractical) advice to feed the Roos a lower protein, lower "test" feed. It's spring, and they're all getting amped.

Hens are tougher than you'd think. Keep the neosporin or whatever you can use to keep it clean - I hope she'll be alright.

I'd say get to the bottom of it as much as you can before you start swinging cleavers... unless you're looking for something to go with your dumplings, of course.

Good luck. I hope your hen is okay.

 

[highcountrychickens]

Something I just thought of - any chance she is doing this to herself? Keep an eye on her to see.

A Great product line I have found to help settle my little flock and deal with pecking, picking and stress: http://www.roosterboosterproducts.com/
I use the "Peck No More" (works like a CHAMP) and the B vitamin complex has really helped with the winter stress. I love this company - was referred to them by a post here, actually. I'd like to thank whoever recommended it.

 

[chickenfever]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I actually do have some rooster booster. The two girls that I put in the hospital box, I rubbed it on their feathers.

I don't think she's doing it to herself as several others are also missing feathers. Just not injured to the extent that she is.

I will try and observe tomarrow and see if I can tell who is doing what.