Bare back hens

[Cowgirl60]

My hens lost feathers off their backs last summer. I had 8 SLW and 2 roosters. I got rid of one of the roosters thinking that was the problem. Their feathers never grew back. I have wormed, treated for mites and pests but nothing seems to help. I keep the coop clean, feed a laying mash, scratch and they free range. I have added protein thinking that might help. My rooster died during the winter so they haven't been with a rooster for a few months but still not growing feathers. They NEVER peck at themselves or each other.
They are very red where they have no feathers. They are just now a year old and lay non-stop! So, they aren't molting.
Help! Love my girls but wish feathers would grow!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Unfortunately they may not grow feathers back until they go through a molt. So if they are only a year old, you may have to wait until this fall when birds their age usually have a full molt. Sounds like they are in good health and condition otherwise, and you are sure nobody else is doing any feather plucking, you may just have to be patient.

 

[bgsuohio]

good information kelsie2290......i did not know that.

 

[Cowgirl60]

Thanks for the information. I was also going to say that 3 of the hens have no feather loss so that probably also rules out parasites. Guess I'll hope for feathers in the fall!

 

[TundraRose]

Never thought about them not growing back until molt. Good to know.