Winter is coming and hens have bald patches!

[AmyBella]

Two of my hens have some rooster damage from mating and I am worried about them with winter coming up. One has a pretty big bald spot on her back and the other is bare on the "elbow" of her wing! They are a year and a half old and haven't molted yet. How can I protect them from frostbite?

 

[gritsar]

Looking into getting them some hen saddles, preferably the kind with removable shoulder pads. They will help keep their backs warm as well as aid in the prevention of further damage from the roo.

 

[AmyBella]

Removable shoulder pads? Sounds fashionable and functional!

That sounds like a great idea. Maybe I can line it with flannel or fleece on the problem areas.

 

[gritsar]

Here's the link to the different styles available for sale:

http://hensaver.com/hen-apron-saddle-styles-colors-prices.html

I've found the ones with a single strap across the chest - both homemade ones and those I bought from hensavers - don't stay on as well as the ones with the criss-cross elastic.

 

[AmyBella]

Awesome - Thanks! I have a feeling that watching them get used to the saddles will provide hours of entertainment! Now let's see... what colors will best compliment their pretty feathers? Decisions, decisions. Think I'll go for the camouflage "cross your heart" with removable shoulder pads. They'll be the envy of the coop!