Chickens loosing feathers.

[cuitola]

My chicken has lost a lot of feathers in her back and there is some bleeding on her wings. Any idea what is causing this? Thank you.

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

Do you have a rooster? That looks like the work of a rooster over mating her. Get her a hen saddle to protect her back. You might also spray on some blu-kote on the bare spots and any open areas to protect her skin from infection and the other birds bothering her. Don't let the rooster mate with her for a while and get her a saddle.

http://www.hensaver.com/

Great to have you aboard and good luck with your flock!

 

[cuitola]

yes, I do have a rooster. Thank you.

 

[drumstick diva]

A rooster can handle 10 hens, if he has less or has a particular favorite, he will overbreed to the point of damage. If you don't sell or need fertile eggs, you don't have to have a rooster. Hens will lay eggs (non fertile) without him.

 

[cuitola]

That helps a lot, thank you. I was afraid it could be mites, even tho my coop is pretty clean. I actually have 2 roosters and only 15 hens. So I'll get take one out. Maybe even both. I just like to hear them crow. I ordered the saddle that TWO CROWS suggested. Thank you so much for all the help. This morning I noticed another hen started to loose the feathers in the same spot but also underneath, by her breast has no feathers at all.

 

[TwoCrows]

That helps a lot, thank you. I was afraid it could be mites, even tho my coop is pretty clean. I actually have 2 roosters and only 15 hens. So I'll get take one out. Maybe even both. I just like to hear them crow. I ordered the saddle that TWO CROWS suggested. Thank you so much for all the help. This morning I noticed another hen started to loose the feathers in the same spot but also underneath, by her breast has no feathers at all.

Great on the saddles!

Are the others loosing the feathers on the breast area? Lots of hens pluck feathers from their breasts if they are broody and many times just to lay an egg. They can pluck 2 every day when they lay and by the end of the year, their breasts can be bald!

Good luck with your flock!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Hope your girls are OK, you got some good advice from drumstick diva and TwoCrows above, looks like the roosters need some time-out.

 

[gander007]