what to do with outcast hen

[werecatrising]

I have 11 hens and one rooster. Buffy, my BO, has always been low on the totem pole. When the girls reached laying age, the all turned on her. I had to hand feed her, take her to the water, etc. Then almost overnight, things changed. Now it is the rooster picking on her. Her head is bald and getting bloody. She is terrified of him and he won't leave her alone. I have her separated now, but she seems to miss the company of the other hens. I am trying to decide where to go from here. Would it be better to get a few chicks for her to live with when they are older, or to try and keep her with the 4 battery hens I will be getting soon?

 

[Dora'smom]

What shape are the other hens in? Maybe you need a new rooster.

 

[werecatrising]

The other hens are fine. he is great to them. Doesn't pull any feathers when mating, calls them to safety if a hawk flies overhead, finds them treats, all that good stuff.

 

[werecatrising]

Anyone?

 

[horsejody]

Keep her totally separate until she heals. Then take another hen and house them together. Watch to make sure that there is no bullying. Once they bond reintroduce them together. As for the rooster, if he continues to be rough, you may have to have a separate pen.

 

[FortWorthChicks]

Is it possible she is sick? Sounds like the roo is a good roo otherwise.

Bump....

 

[FLChickenFlock]

Yes, we have the same problem.

Rooster "Romeo" chases the BO, grabs her by the neck feathers and won't let her go. He doesn't mount her, although she squats for him. Also, her back is bald. Tried using a hen apron on her when her backside started balding, but the feathers won't grow back. We've trimmed Romeo's spurs and toenails, hoping this would help prevent the other hens from balding during his mounting, but some of them are also becoming bald on their backs. Should we get rid of the rooster, separate the hen from him, or is there something else we can do?

 

[mstricer]

She's probally not submissive to him and trys to run, I have few like that.

 

[FLChickenFlock]

Well, we're going to try something totally different from others recommendations. Anyone ever heard of "Super Blue Stuff"? It's made with emu oil, and it's colored pale teal. We've put this on the neck and back of the BO that has bare patches from peckings and feather pulling. Maybe the color of the stuff, the smellyness, and the greasy feel in their beaks after they peck her will stop this nastiness towards her. Wish us luck!

 

[Shay1327]

I have the same problem. "Chicken Little" my little BA pullet is terrorized by the rooster. He will chase her and once in awhile he'll grab her by the back of the neck. But usually if she sees him she runs as fast as she can to get away. She also doesn't forage with the flock, she'd rather follow me and the kids around.

For now I'm letting things be, she does roost with them at night and gets plenty to eat and drink. I figure she will find her place in the flock or not, we will have some new babies next week so maybe she'll integrate better when they are ready to go outside.

Good Luck!!!