Feathers missing

[georgiapumpkin]

I just started noticing that some but not all of my hens feathers towards their back near the tail are starting to thin out. It's not all of them though. I can't tell if it's pecking or something else. Here are a few pictures. Can anyone maybe give me some advice on what might be the problem?
Thank you

 

[ackie]

most likely just from your roos mounting them. the ones with more features missing are more liked by the males.

you may also see neck feathers start to disappear as well.

as long as theres a sufficient hen:roo ratio and no ones bleeding, I'd let it be, but you can also purchase or make a hen saddle which basically covers that area and protects the feathers from being accidentally pulled out.

 

[Eggcessive]

It could be from rooster mating, or it could be feather picking.

 

[georgiapumpkin]

most likely just from your roos mounting them. the ones with more features missing are more liked by the males.

you may also see neck feathers start to disappear as well.

as long as theres a sufficient hen:roo ratio and no ones bleeding, I'd let it be, but you can also purchase or make a hen saddle which basically covers that area and protects the feathers from being accidentally pulled out.

Aww poor babies
I have 13 hens and 2 rooster's.
I was wondering if it could have been that also.
Thank you

 

[ackie]

Aww poor babies ☹
I have 13 hens and 2 rooster's.
I was wondering if it could have been that also.
Thank you

if your hens have lots of space and things to hide under to avoid being mated, then they're probably submitting to being mated and are fine.

 

[georgiapumpkin]

It could be from rooster mating, or it could be feather picking.

I was so worried that they were getting sick. That I wasn't doing something right. I have 2 rooster's and one is pretty persistent. The other one is the ladies man
Thank you

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Aww poor babies ☹
I have 13 hens and 2 rooster's.
I was wondering if it could have been that also.
Thank you

Aw yeah, especially if you have young roosters, it's due to overmating. Ideally you want 10 hens per rooster, but I know that's not always possible. I've been there before!

 

[georgiapumpkin]

if your hens have lots of space and things to hide under to avoid being mated, then they're probably submitting to being mated and are fine.

I do have a covered platform for them to run under when they may feel threatened. Maybe I should put some other things out.
Thank you

 

[georgiapumpkin]

Aw yeah, especially if you have young roosters, it's due to overmating. Ideally you want 10 hens per rooster, but I know that's not always possible. I've been there before!

Yea, there only 8 months old.
Thank you

 

[ackie]

I personally would just keep an eye out and make sure no one ends up bleeding because that can lead to others pecking at it & cannibalism, but I had a girl worse than what I'm seeing in your pics and she turned out fine. I was also concerned with sunburn since she had a bald spot & its skin that isnt normally exposed (not sure if relevant, just instinct), but mine have a lot of cover so that didnt seem to be an issue either. If someone does end up being the favorite, it might be worth the peace of mind of putting a hen saddle on her. Ive been told theres a tutorial online with minimal sewing skill.