Feather loss in saddle area

[Lindesu]

We accidentally got two roosters with our chicks last year. The entire flock is now about 1year of age. Over the fall and winter one rooster became dominant and was really aggressive in his mating behaviors. Next thing we knew, most of our hens had heavy loss of feathers in the saddle region. (They have not seen otherwise sick in any way and produce big beautiful eggs.) So to remedy the situation, we got rid of the abusive roo and left the one that the one that had been their favority originally. We expected that the feathers would come back eventually. However, its been at least two months since the first roo left and while there's bit of improvement, the saddle is still really bare. Of course, now the rooster is molting, so its possible that regular molt season is confusing my understanding of what is going on. We feed them all the laying mash they want, vegetable scraps, freshly pulled clover, and some scratch. I would think their diet is healthy. Egg production continues to be really good and they seem happy otherwise. Is this mites? No other issues noted with them. Need advice!

 

[1muttsfan]

The lost feathers will regrow when the hens molt.

It is normal to see feather loss in the saddle area when you have a rooster, and not necessarily a sign of aggression. It doesn't usually bother the hens. If your rooster has sharp nails, sometimes the hens will get scratched up, which can be remedied by clipping the nails.

Some people put aprons on hens to protect their feathers.

 

[aart]

now the rooster is molting,

Seems early for the male to be molting, tho they do usually start earlier than the hens.
Are you sure he's molting...new pin feathers present?

We feed them all the laying mash they want, vegetable scraps, freshly pulled clover, and some scratch. I would think their diet is healthy.

Laying mash is not great for males, the extra calcium can cause liver issues.
The veg and scratch may also be diluting the minimal nutrition in the mash.
Might want to switch to a 18-20% all flock feed with Oyster Shells in a separate feeder for the active layers.

 

[Lindesu]

Thanks for the information! I'm happy to know that they should grow back after the molt. I'm pretty sure the roo is molting. we are down south in Oklahoma. Much warmer here. He has tons of new pin feathers all over breast, back and bottom. A couple months ago his feathers were gorgeous, while eating the same exact diet as now. we may switch to All flock to see if it helps. What about mixing the two feeds?

 

[1muttsfan]

After my roosters are adults they eat the same layer pellets that I give to the hens, and I have not had issues. I feed grower/finisher or All Flock to young birds, including the roosters. You could certainly mix them together.

Sounds like he is molting.