Bare Backed Hen blues

[KC n KY]

I have one rooster(a BLRW ) running with 16 hens. Most, if not all hens have bare backs. What is the problem? Overbreeding? Molting? They stay enclosed in a run and coop, but have a total of 426 sq/ft of space.

 

[donrae]

If it's overbreeding, it's usually just a few "favorite" hens, not the whole flock, esp with that ratio. How old are the hens, are they laying? Have you checked them for mites?

 

[shelleyd2008]

I would agree with mites, there's no reason why all the hens would be bare-backed with only one roo. Though they could be starting to molt, which would make their feathers come out easier. But I'd definitely check for mites.

 

[shelleyd2008]

Let me rephrase: There's no reason why 16 hens would be bare-backed with only one roo. My BCM hens are getting bare-backed but there are only 3 girls and 2 roos, so they get a LOT of attention. I would be looking for some other reason for the bare-backs.

 

[KC n KY]

The hens are all about one year old, and laying strong. I got 13 eggs yesterday. That is why I didnt think it was molting. All of the feather loss is on the back and vent, which points to overbreeding. I went out and counted the exact number that have bare backs- and it is 11. I REALLY hope it isnt mites, but if so how do you treat for it?

Thanx for all the responses

 

[shelleyd2008]

You can get some Sevin dust and either dust each one yourself or make them a dust pan with a 50/50 mix of dirt/sand and Sevin dust. I get a dust from my feed store called garden and poultry dust...same thing.

Check under their wings and around the vent for mites and lice, this is where they congregate the most. It's getting to be that time of year again

 

[KC n KY]

Okey doke,Thank You

 

[yelim]

Have you seen them eating feathers? Are they picking feathers from each others back? Maybe the ones that aren't barebacked are the ones feather picking. Do a search on feather picking.

 

[Uzuri]

I'm seconding yelim -- had that problem myself, got rid of the rooster, and still had bare backs. Pinless peepers fixed the problem completely.

 

[KC n KY]

Yes, they do seem to like the taste of feathers, but I'm not sure if they are picking or not. Could BOSS fix the problem? UGGHHHHHHH... I hate naked chickens