All chickens have bare back patchs, is this from Roo or molting?

[bbecca]

2 of my hens have had these bare back patches for a few months, now all of them seem to have it. There are a lot of feathers in the coop and run. So I can't tell if this is damage from my Roo or if they are molting, as they do not have any other bald spots in any other areas.
The other issue is that the egg laying has gone down in the last week or two. And a lot of them are not solid yolks but have a weird shape to them or just fall apart when cracked. Any insight to what's going on here?

And side note, are the eggs still ok to eat?

 

[Fanci Feathers Marans]

Take pics.

 

[bbecca]

Take pics.

 

[CapricornFarm]

They could be from the rooster , or maybe the birds have mites. Look really closely between the feathers. The eggs should be fine to eat .

 

[Fanci Feathers Marans]

It is a little high on the back to be a rooster, and if she were moulting, there would be distinct little feathers coming out. Go ahead and treat for mites. Better safe than sorry.

 

[Folly's place]

Look hard for mites or lice, at night, with a flashlight. Look hard at the rooster too. If anyone shows any, treat the whole group. Permethrin spray works best, and is easiest to apply. Many of my hens are molting right now too. Mary

 

[Chickassan]

Could be rooster damage if you have a short rooster. My guy is short lengthwise and that's where he ends up on the hens. So if your rooster is shaped like a ball could be him.Never hurts to go ahead and dust for crawlies though.

 

[Folly's place]

Another issue that's very evident in my mixed flock; genetic differences in feather quality. Mary