Bullying?

[BeanTater]

I have a chicken - the smallest in my flock - who I think is either the roo's favorite or is being bullied. Her feathers look terrible and she has skin showing on the "shoulder" of her wings. No broken skin. She has a lot of energy and is eating & drinking as far as I can tell. I have 20 birds total... Mostly dual purpose breeds. One large roo.

I made a saddle for her - see pic (don't judge, it was my first attempt. Lol) but this AM (second day with saddle) I saw bullying from on of the other girls. Little one ran away and would not come back. When she finally did she is super skiddish. The saddle has mud on it already.

What should I do?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That's looks like it's all from rooster wearing. I wouldn't burden her with a saddle. It makes her a target, and uncomfortable. Either remove the rooster for or while, or just expect the feather loss. I've had bare backed hens, they are fine as long as there's no wounds. All feathers will grow back in the fall molt.

 

[BeanTater]

That's looks like it's all from rooster wearing. I wouldn't burden her with a saddle. It makes her a target, and uncomfortable. Either remove the rooster for or while, or just expect the feather loss. I've had bare backed hens, they are fine as long as there's no wounds. All feathers will grow back in the fall molt.

Ok thanks for the reply! I was wondering if the apron was the catalyst for the bullying. Makes sense i suppose.