featherloss in hen?

[amyunderwood307]

A few weeks ago I noticed one hens feathers were missing on her back...time has gone on and she's losing more. What could this be? I'm worried because winter is coming and she's losing more feathers ...help!

. This is from a week ago

 

[ellie32526]

Is she molting or does she have mites? What are the other symptoms?

 

[amyunderwood307]

We have checked for mites and haven't seen anything...and how can you tell if its molting versus mites? She's really just losing feather on her back and near here vent. But isn't acting sick or anything. All the others are fine.

 

[ellie32526]

What about your rooster? Is he especially aggressive? There is not feather loss anywhere else? Read the info in this linka nd see if anything helps
http://www.chickenkeepingsecrets.com/chicken-health/molting-time-in-the-northern-hemisphere/

 

[amyunderwood307]

He is extremely aggressive to me and kind of to the hens. I see him mate her a lot, but her backs not bloody. Just featherless...my first thought was the rooster then I thought mites maybe. Thanks for the link!

 

[cafarmgirl]

It really looks like rooster wear and tear. How many hens do you have with him? If there aren't enough hens there usually tends to be one or two that become favorites and get a little too much attention. Might try getting a chicken saddle for her until she molts and gets new feathers.

 

[amyunderwood307]

There are 5 hens total. And I do see him mating her a lot. I'm just worried aboutt the winter with her losing feathers