Can anyone help identify what this ailment is?

[BRGT]

I have a flock of 20 Buff Orpingtons. 19 hens and 1 rooster. 5 or 6 of them have developed these sores, all on the same locations, on their backs. I have not observed any fighting or obvious issues among them and I cannot see and bugs/mites in the affected areas. Does anyone know what this may be and/or have a solution to it? Thank you to anyone who can provide insight.

 

[The Chick Addict]

Yes, those sores on their backs are from the rooster mating them. When he climbs onto their back, he may accidentally pull off feathers with his claws. You can make or buy chickens saddles, cute little saddles that cover and protect their backs during mating. It's actually pretty common and not something to worry too much about. Getting some saddles for them will fix this ailment without a problem!

 

[BRGT]

Yes, do you have roosters?

Yes, I have one. I tried separating him from the flock for a week or so to see if any improvement was made. I didn't notice much difference but that may not have been enough time to tell. When I reintroduced him, he and the hens seems happy to be reunited. There doesn't appear to be conflict between them, but, I was wondering if he was the culprit.

 

[BarnyardChaos]

Watch your rooster as he mates with these hens, and observe whether (or how often) he mates with the other non-affected hens. I think you might find your answer.

 

[The Chick Addict]

Yes, I have one. I tried separating him from the flock for a week or so to see if any improvement was made. I didn't notice much difference but that may not have been enough time to tell. When I reintroduced him, he and the hens seems happy to be reunited. There doesn't appear to be conflict between them, but, I was wondering if he was the culprit.

Yes, I edited my first response. He is probably the culprit but he doesn't mean to. As I said, chicken saddles will fix it and their sores will start healing once they have some.

 

[BarnyardChaos]

If you find your rooster is the culprit, these "hen saddles" may help:

 

[BRGT]

Ok. This is making sense now that you say this. I will observe more and may need to get some saddles.