Wisconsin "Cheeseheads"

[Angiebubs]

Colton-nice pics!

Question: I have 2 roos (One that is in hiding from other roo all the time right now) with 20 hens...yet half my hens are getting bare backs-is there anything i can do to help with this? I thought there would be enough girls that this wouldn't happen?

Also roo situation #2 roo has taken over dominant position and isnt allowing other roo to come down off roost much at all. Is there anything that can be done to help with this? BOth roos are super sweet to me-I pick them up they dont mind being touched etc. I hope when spring gets here they may ease up some with more room in run to get away from each other.

 

[Colton]

I only have have 6 hens with my roosters and they are bred a lot, but they are fine when I let them out. They have a lot of space. Can you let them out, or do are you covered in snow?

 

[Angiebubs]

Colton: Its been sporadic-right now the run is covered in snow so they dont go outside much.....in fact this last snow storm brought down the bird netting over the run for the first time this winter...fixing that today. Inside the coop is 12 ft by 24 ft so they have plenty of room there as well.....thats why I am confused.

 

[Colton]

I don't know either...maybe they are molting?? I don't know.

 

[Colton]

sis's birthday party, got to clean up and get ready

 

[Celtic Chick]

Colton-nice pics!

Question: I have 2 roos (One that is in hiding from other roo all the time right now) with 20 hens...yet half my hens are getting bare backs-is there anything i can do to help with this? I thought there would be enough girls that this wouldn't happen?

Also roo situation #2 roo has taken over dominant position and isnt allowing other roo to come down off roost much at all. Is there anything that can be done to help with this? BOth roos are super sweet to me-I pick them up they dont mind being touched etc. I hope when spring gets here they may ease up some with more room in run to get away from each other.

It might be molting, or they are the roos favorites. Do you have any saddles for your hens? Spring is usually the time the girls need them most.

I think maybe your roo prob #2 is also due to spring & raging hormones. My roos were beating each other up pretty bad for about a week before it settled down. I have alot more roos than you, though, so I'm kinda suprised your 2 are scuffling with so many hens. I could be completely wrong, though. I'm really good at that...........

 

[ElaineS585]

If you want I could give you a few eggs to put under her to hatch...if you can't break her brood

Thanks very much! I think I am going to try to put her in a wired cage with food and water for 3-4 days to try to break the brood. Fingers crossed that will work. I just feel so bad for her knowing she's just sitting there for naught. If the wire cage trick doesn't work, I'll contact you to borrow a couple eggs. Many thanks for the generous offer!

 

[Angiebubs]

CC: Yes I remember my roos were fighting about the same time you were having issues...and lav orp roo (who used to be top dog) ended up limping really bad...and terrified of the black/Lav orp roo who is now top roo. Since then, I dont see much mroe than chasing going on but LAv Orp is terrified of him and rarely is able to get down to eat and drink. Im babying him some-putting food up for him or standing between the two for a few mins so he can eat. Its sad and I sure hope that they will make up soon and get along. Funny thing, at night they roost next to each other.

 

[judge]

Colton-nice pics!

Question: I have 2 roos (One that is in hiding from other roo all the time right now) with 20 hens...yet half my hens are getting bare backs-is there anything i can do to help with this? I thought there would be enough girls that this wouldn't happen?

Also roo situation #2 roo has taken over dominant position and isnt allowing other roo to come down off roost much at all. Is there anything that can be done to help with this? BOth roos are super sweet to me-I pick them up they dont mind being touched etc. I hope when spring gets here they may ease up some with more room in run to get away from each other.

I know what you mean. I have 16 hens and one rooster, but they are all bald. Apparently he likes to hold on to the back of their heads

 

[judge]

Ok- I know it should not happen, but it did, and now I am hoping someone can give me some advice...I ran out of chick feed. I am hoping to go tomorrow, but I might not be able to go until Monday. Does anyone have an idea for emergency feed? Oatmeal, sunflower seeds, rice, corn silage? Anything?