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Post by orpingtongal on Feb 13, 2006 8:45:56 GMT -5
Good Morning Everyone! We live in Minnesota and our 7 hens and 2 rooster are coop up most of the time. We put the heating lamp on whenever the temperature drops below zero. During the day they sometimes come out and peck around. Our dominate rooster is so mean to the 2nd rooster, won't let him come out for some fresh air on the few hours we let them out, weather permitting. They also fight, I noticed the 2nd rooster had a bad peck on his head and it was bleeding. I keep telling my husband that one rooster has to go, I feel so sorry for the picked on one. But they are all his babies and he just doesn't have the heart to take out one of the roosters. What do you all think? Anything we can do, our chicken coop is only 10 foot x 12 foot. We can't put a barrier up because of the heated water, they all need access to it. My other problem is about one hen. She evidently is a favorite because all the feathers are missing where the roosters mount her. With our cool weather, I worry that she will be cold. What should we do about her, again we can't put a barrier up, she need access to the heated water also. Maybe I can knit her a sweater to cover her, tee hee! I would appreciate any suggestions
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Post by Kickingbird on May 17, 2006 19:59:54 GMT -5
With your situation I would say get rid of one rooster. Or make him a pen and give him a fresh bowl of water in the morning and evening. The dominate rooster will most likely harras the other one his entire life....as the chicken world turns.
Mark
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Post by aldridgereds on Dec 7, 2006 19:21:58 GMT -5
keep them they are devolping a pecking order this is to earn dominance hint:to get the ladies. they will quit unless they are game.which if they are they would have to be young because there both alive still.the hen though chances are she is the only one that will lay down for the roosters which is why she is so ruffed up.try getting some older hens to put with your flock so that hen isnt the only one getting mated constantly.another thing is they wont freeze from feathers missing on their heads.now the roo that has a bad spot on his head feed him some fruit and plenty of feed and water he will lose weight and die if his head dosnt heal quick.if you ever get a bloody rooster put white cooking flour on its wound this will scab it up faster helping it heal.
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