chickens feathers look bad

[sundayschicks]

my hens feathers look real bad. close to the skin, on their backs and wings. my friend said my rooster is too big for them,and he's damaging them when he breeds,but i'm not sure. the feathers aren't just pulled out. it's hard to describe. it's like the feathers have lost there fluff.

 

[alicefelldown]

Without pictures, it's hard to tell - but what you describe sounds to me like an overly randy rooster. Most young roosters will mess up / tear out / break the back and wing feathers of their mates.

You can get 'saddles' for them from a number of people here on BYC or find a patter and make your own out of scrap denim.

 

[dawg53]

Quote:
It sounds like your rooster is doing the damage to me. You can inspect your hens for lice/mites, especially around the vent area. I agree with 'alicefelldown,' chicken saddles/aprons will protect your hens.

 

[sundayschicks]

thanks for the info. i've already had to put one rooster in another coop,i would hate to put my pretty boy Ian away. i will look into the saddles if it gets any worse.

 

[windzbreezy]

I am experiencing the same problem.