Bald Backed Hens

[BentWillow]

I have approx 20 1 yr old hens that I thought were molting through the winter, seeing as that they were were completely bald backed. A neighbor who is an oldtimer said that the particularly bald ones were "getting the roosters attention" and that's why they were bald. Any advice? It has been snowing and I hate for them to be so exposed! The shy hens have full feathers so I am thinking he may be right....

 

[poultrykeeper08]

Yeah thats cuazed by the roo over breeding them . You can buy saddled to put on the hens

 

[BentWillow]

I figured as much. Do I really need saddles? Isn't there something more natural than that?

 

[mahen8622]

i thought about buying saddles for my hens but theyre bald on the back of their HEADS not their backs what can you do for that??? it is Roo related as well

 

[Ridgerunner]

The general recommendation is one full sized rooster can service 10 to 12 hens. The banty's can handle a few more. If you have too many roosters they will fight more among themselves plus wear the hens out. One natural way is to not have too many roosters.

You can isolate the rooster part of the time, giving him less access to the hens.

You can trim his spurs so he does less damage to the hens.

Give the hens room to get away from the rooster. If he has to work harder, he'll spend more time chasing and less time mating.

All I can think of at the spur of the moment.

 

[seminolewind]

 

[Chauntecleer's Keeper]

i thought about buying saddles for my hens but theyre bald on the back of their HEADS not their backs what can you do for that??? it is Roo related as well

My Rooster grabs a hold of the back of the hens head while he is conducting business. I think that is going on with your hens.

 

[kuntrygirl]

A hen bonnet would work but I'm sure no one has invented them yet. I have the same problem.

 

[Resolution]

This is an issue of behavioral stimulation and the lack of it in the hen house. Utilize ForageCakes ( Murray mcMurray) or wild bird seed cakes.
If you use the wild bird seed cakes you will still need to put out dry cat or dog food. They are craving animal protein, dietary fiber and are bored senseless. Egg laying takes a lot of energy and the hens are craving nutrients that they are not getting out of the maintenance pellet you have them on. Are they on a vegetarian feed?

 

[chickenkate]

If you separate the rooster from your hens, just til their feathers grow back, they should be alright.