Some of my hens have lost feathers on their backs just by the top of their wings ! you can see patches of red skin , any idea what could be causing it
Roosters! Mine are still recovering from an over population of roos. Each time the hen gets mounted, she'll loose a feather or two. When you have a lot of roos, this adds up fast. This is why they have chicken saddles. Aside from that, moulting causes feather loss.
I have a hen who mounts the other hens so I have some with naked backs and necks, she is going to find her way to a new home.
Ahhhhh I did have two cockerals and one had to go so I guess it may take a while for their feathers to grow back thankyou everyone appreciate the advice
I have nine hens and a rooster. Seven of my hens have all their feathers pulled out to the skin. The other two are fine. If it's the rooster doing it then why aren't the other two hens the same way? Can they be broken from doing this or do I need to get rid of the roo? I've never had this happen before with other hens and roosters I've had so would appreciate feedback on this.
Quote:Roosters have "favorites". There are also hens who simply won't stand to be mated by a rooster very often. My more submissive hens all had bare backs but the more dominant ones wouldn't let him more than once every now and then.
you might want to check for feather mites, check around their vents and see if there are clumps there, i've been battling it, and the mite will eat feathers-
