What to do

[sadie1953]

Okay guys, My Rooster has just about made all my hens naked. So I got the hen saddles, well I guess it's working. Have decided to separate the Rooster, my question is how long do u separate them? I Have 1 Rooster & 7 Hens. Small coop. Okay so how do u keep Hens from Rooster and vice avisa. I let them out a couple of times aday any suggestions? What kind of shelter does anyone suggest I build to put Rooster in?

 

[Mrs. K]

the crock pot?

Really, the barebacks bother people more than they do chickens. My second to last roo, had bare backed girls, but they adored him. The last roo, hardly disturbed a feather, but was mean to everyone, hens and me.

Thing is, it will take a LONG time to grow back the feathers, and keeping the flock separated will be a huge hassle. And a roo is no protection for his ladies if he is not with them, and if you don't have him for that, what do you have him for?

Mrs K

 

[sadie1953]

You are right. I could never put him in the crock pot. So the backs being bare does not harm the hens? It looks like it hurts them.

I'm new to this game. Lesson learned. Thanks

 

[Mrs. K]

You could add more hens, closer to 15 if you have the room (if you don't have the room, it will cause new problems) I have tried the saddles, and again that was more for me than for them. and they hated them.

Egg production or rather a lack of, is the first sign that your hens are under stress. If they are laying everyday, or close to everyday, chances are their needs are being met.

Mrs K

 

[sadie1953]

Thank You for all the info. I am getting 4 to 5 eggs a day, so I guess that is good for 6 hens. The Rooster bothers me more than the hens. I just hate to see them with bare backs, when they were so pretty feathered.