fluffyfeet Posted April 12, 2011 Share Posted April 12, 2011 I need some ideas please, on how to deter our rather enthusiastic cockerel Nigel. I have recently noticed that 3 of the ladies have tatty feathers on their backs above their tails and put it down to Spring having sprung and he was doing his natural thing. However he has very quickly stripped the feathers off a RIR and on closer inspection broken the skin on a Maran too, although this appears to have healed so must have happened a few days ago. I don't want to get rid of him as he has a lovely way about him, non aggressive and is a gorgeous little thing (Dutch Bantam) but I can't have him hurting the girls. So I need to know what sort of things anyone else has found effective - they are all in the same hen house within a WIR. I have spare weld mesh and can get trellis etc to partition during the day but I wondered if this would be enough or whether he would still 'have a pop' at them first thing in the morning whilst still indoors. Any advice greatly appreciated. Dawn x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted April 12, 2011 Share Posted April 12, 2011 You could try fitting the girls with pouktry saddles but I agree that separating him is probably best If he has spurs then file them so they arent sharp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted April 13, 2011 Share Posted April 13, 2011 I agree, separating him is best. Saddles are good but I've found they rub and damage the feathers too. They're also great hiding places for mites and lice. I had a Rhode who suffered a nasty gash on her side two years ago from the attentions of Gorgeous George so I moved her and her sister, leaving my two Indian Game hens with George. He doesn't fancy them so much and they're hard feathered which means they don't seem to suffer much feather damage. Hope it works out okay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
