Broken tail feathers

[stubbornhill]

I purchased some 18 month old hens from a local lady a couple of months ago. One of the Wyandottes, had tail feathers that looked like they were broken off at different hights and the back half of her is all downy (no mature feathers). In my ignorance, I bought her anyhow thinking that maybe she was moulting. She acts fine, lays eggs and seems otherwise in good health. None of the other hens seem to have any issues. I know that a picture would help, but I am new and can't post pictures yet. Thanks so much.

 

[CMV]

It sounds like it may be rooster damage. The good news is when she does finally molt, those feathers should grow back in, and she'll look perfectly lovely. An over-zealous roo will leave his favorite girls with feather damage- either bare, featherless patches or areas where the feathers are all broken off. If you want to encourage new feathers to grow in that area you can pluck out the damaged feathers. New feathers will grow in their place. Be aware that plucking really hurts, so I am not actually advocating doing that, but it is an option if appearance is important to you.

Good luck.

ETA-

 

[AmyBella]

Could it be rooster damage? My rooster's favorite hen has broken tail feathers along with a couple of bald spots!

 

[stubbornhill]

Thank you ladies so much! I hadn't thought of that. We don't have a rooster, but as I said, she was that way when we got her. I'll hold of on the plucking. Ouch! It's not bothering her, so I won't let it bother me...I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't missing something medical. I've named her Scruffy. I may have to adjust her name when her new feathers come in.

 

[AmyBella]

My girl is called "Scruffy" too!

 

[Jchantecler]

It could also be that she didn't have enough roosting space, and broke her feathers there, but either way, I wouldn't worry about it.