What will it take?!

[HuffleClaw]

I'm dealing with the same exact thing, my Buff Orpington hen "Wilma" is completely featherless on her back I'm really hoping that they'll grow back this Fall

You and me both huh?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

He’s so gentle until it comes to mating....

It's easy for things to get out of hand when we are excited.

Maturity REALLY helps.

 

[redranger209]

You need more hens. 4:1 is not a very good ratio.

 

[HuffleClaw]

It's easy for things to get out of hand when we are excited.

Maturity REALLY helps.

True

 

[HuffleClaw]

You need more hens. 4:1 is not a very good ratio.

?? But I see breeders and normal chicken keepers that have pairs, trios, etc I have 4 more hens but they are a bit to small

 

[redranger209]

?? But I see breeders and normal chicken keepers that have pairs, trios, etc I have 4 more hens but they are a bit to small

They don’t keep them that way permanently. They sell them that way, or temporarily hold them together that way.

 

[Shadrach]

As long as the hen isn't bleeding and or trying to escape from the rooster I wouldn't separate them.
Is the rooster the same breed as the hen?
The first thing I would do is check the roosters spurs if he has some yet. Sometimes even when the spurs are still growing they get sharp edges. It's a good idea to file these round.
Get a large towel and catch the rooster. If you can't catch him in the day, take him off his perch at night. Wrap him in the towel making sure his head is covered but also that he can breath. Get a fine file and gently round off his spurs.
Do his toe nails as well, just a bit to take the points off.
Do not be tempted to cut the spurs or claws. Always file.
This will help and minimize the risk of him tearing the skin of the hen.
If your chickens free range, or even if they have a large run with objects in I would not use a saddle. The risk of the saddle getting caught in something isn't worth it. Also, if it's hot the hen may overheat.
It often takes until the next molt for the hens feathers to grow back.
Your cock to hen ratio is fine. Even if you got more hens it sounds like this one is his favorite and you can't fight love.

 

[HuffleClaw]

They don’t keep them that way permanently. They sell them that way, or temporarily hold them together that way.

Ohh okay I get that! The other 4 are only 3 months old probably too young to go with the other 4 hens?

 

[HuffleClaw]

As long as the hen isn't bleeding and or trying to escape from the rooster I wouldn't separate them.
Is the rooster the same breed as the hen?
The first thing I would do is check the roosters spurs if he has some yet. Sometimes even when the spurs are still growing they get sharp edges. It's a good idea to file these round.
Get a large towel and catch the rooster. If you can't catch him in the day, take him off his perch at night. Wrap him in the towel making sure his head is covered but also that he can breath. Get a fine file and gently round off his spurs.
Do his toe nails as well, just a bit to take the points off.
Do not be tempted to cut the spurs or claws. Always file.
This will help and minimize the risk of him tearing the skin of the hen.
If your chickens free range, or even if they have a large run with objects in I would not use a saddle. The risk of the saddle getting caught in something isn't worth it. Also, if it's hot the hen may overheat.
It often takes until the next molt for the hens feathers to grow back.
Your cock to hen ratio is fine. Even if you got more hens it sounds like this one is his favorite and you can't fight love.

The cockerel is a mixed breed (blue orp X RIR) the hen is a pure bred blue orp. He is only 7 months old so his spurs aren’t a problem. Thank you for all the information.... I may just have to file them sometime in the far future.

 

[Cluckerzfamilyfarm]

The spurs if big enough can be twisted off with the right pair of pliers. Its sound ALOT worse then it is. It just removes the outside layer and leaves the new spur untouched. The new spur will be soft and less damaging if you choose not to separate. You can see plenty of detailed videos on the despur process on YouTube. It is very simple.