Currently, I have removed my Roosters favorite hen from the flock due to the fact that she has lost a good deal of feathers on her lower back. She isn't bald, but the down is showing. She is in a fenced large cage inside the coop it's self, but I am wondering, should I separate him out rather than the hen? And... how long should I do so for? How long would you say it takes for feathers to grow back?
My Rooster is rather large and young, (Hatched July, 2014) so I think he is just over anxious. I have hatched from him and am not planning to again until the weather warms up a bit more, as I have chicks that will be joining the rest of the flock in about 4 weeks. (They are currently 5 weeks) I just feel bad that she is away from the flock, when it is to no fault of her own.
ETA: The other thing is, will this always be an issue? And is it right to step in at this point? I am increasing my flock, with not only the chicks, but I have 3 other hens I am adding at the end of April. So the totals will be 12 hens to the 1 Rooster.
My Rooster is rather large and young, (Hatched July, 2014) so I think he is just over anxious. I have hatched from him and am not planning to again until the weather warms up a bit more, as I have chicks that will be joining the rest of the flock in about 4 weeks. (They are currently 5 weeks) I just feel bad that she is away from the flock, when it is to no fault of her own.
ETA: The other thing is, will this always be an issue? And is it right to step in at this point? I am increasing my flock, with not only the chicks, but I have 3 other hens I am adding at the end of April. So the totals will be 12 hens to the 1 Rooster.
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