Are there "chicken helmets"? Like chicken saddles?

[EurekaSouth]

We had to be gone the last two weeks. We just got back this afternoon.
Our neighbor was feeding our chickens. Our rooster had already bloodied one of the hens' comb and head, but it was getting better. While we were gone, he pecked her head skin down to her skull (no bone, but it was that deep). Our neighbor called a vet-friend of hers, it was that bad.
They usually have an acre compound to run around in during the day when me or my husband is here, but they stayed in their 15 x 25 (about) chicken coop while we were gone two weeks.
We have five hens (three Wellsummer, two Buff Orpintons) and one Wellsummer rooster.
He's only a year, so it's probably just hormones. The hens are two.
1. I would like to put neosporin on it and protect it. I'm just going to neosporin it and wrap gauze around her head. Any other suggestions?
2. Has anyone heard of a chicken helmet? Where do I get them/how do I make them?
A quick reply would be appreciated. I have to go back to work Monday.
This needs to stop. Now!

 

[micstrachan]

I don't know about a chicken helmet, but she needs to be protected. With a wound like that, someone else may peck her, as well. Do you have a dog crate or some other way of protecting her while leaving her with the flock? Also, be careful and observant with that young rooster. I have read they have super charged hormones and can be quite aggressive and clumsy while mating, often inflicting injury on the hens. Once your hen's head heals up, you might consider separating him instead. Or get some more females to spread his love around. Good luck!

 

[TheYLWFlock]

Well it’s probably best to avoid the situation in the future too... 1 rooster for 5 hens isn’t a great ratio. The hens will get beaten up pretty bad as they will be “over-bred”. I’ve even heard stories where 1 rooster to 20 hens still ended up with hurt hens. So either get rid of the roo or get more hens!

As for your hurt hen, I’m not sure what to do, but @Wyorp Rock might be able to help you!

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

i think i would switch to a gentler roo!

 

[Elfer]

I've had the same problem. I used Bluecote, and later Pick-no-more, and isolation until better. Both products are supposed to repel pecking, though I can't tell, and the Bluecote should prevent infection. This happens to my girls that run screaming, and aren't submissive. I ordered a chicken saddle with wing covers for an older chicken that I bought already pretty bare-backed. Haven't tried to put it on her yet, as i want to be home to supervise. Don't know if it will work with free-ranging and hot weather. I asked the E-bay seller if they had thought about making a saddle with a hoodie or something. They've been working on it, but haven't come up with anything that would stay on. I thought about making a bonnet or scarf for neck injuries, but think choking could occur if others pull on it.

 

[Zinjifrah]

I know it's no help at all... but I had to go look. The best chicken helmet I could find was:

I saw a lot of people putting little hats on their chickens, with an elastic band that goes around the neck just behind the wattles, but I'd be concerned about strangulation and restricted swallowing.

 

[Carm Jean]

I've had the same problem. I used Bluecote, and later Pick-no-more, and isolation until better. Both products are supposed to repel pecking, though I can't tell, and the Bluecote should prevent infection. This happens to my girls that run screaming, and aren't submissive. I ordered a chicken saddle with wing covers for an older chicken that I bought already pretty bare-backed. Haven't tried to put it on her yet, as i want to be home to supervise. Don't know if it will work with free-ranging and hot weather. I asked the E-bay seller if they had thought about making a saddle with a hoodie or something. They've been working on it, but haven't come up with anything that would stay on. I thought about making a bonnet or scarf for neck injuries, but think choking could occur if others pull on it.

There is a lady on Etsy who sells a attachable hood. It attaches to the Saddle she makes. Im going to ad a strap to mine to keep my Roo from ripping into by hens neck. He hates her. And she is so sweet. But he has ripped her neck open 4 times now. He even ripped the bandaging i had on her off. I have her on a fences patio but she is so skinny now she has managed to squeeze through the bars and get out. She wants to go to the nesting boxes. Even though I have provided a nice nesting box for her.

 

[Carm Jean]

I know it's no help at all... but I had to go look. The best chicken helmet I could find was:

View attachment 1384679

I saw a lot of people putting little hats on their chickens, with an elastic band that goes around the neck just behind the wattles, but I'd be concerned about strangulation and restricted swallowing.

That body suit is what my hen needs

 

[Mrs. K]

It might be best to pull the rooster for a couple of weeks.

 

[FrostRanger]

There is a lady on Etsy who sells a attachable hood. It attaches to the Saddle she makes. Im going to ad a strap to mine to keep my Roo from ripping into by hens neck. He hates her. And she is so sweet. But he has ripped her neck open 4 times now. He even ripped the bandaging i had on her off. I have her on a fences patio but she is so skinny now she has managed to squeeze through the bars and get out. She wants to go to the nesting boxes. Even though I have provided a nice nesting box for her.

If your roo is that aggressive towards her I'd cull him. Aggression to the hens he's supposed to protect is NOT acceptable