feathers on hens...

kscottjoyce

Chirping
8 Years
Feb 22, 2011
212
0
99
Townsend
Hello, and thank you for any info you can give. I have three hens and a rooster. The hens are developing a line across their backs where their feathers seem a bit worn down. Just wondering if this could be from the rooster doing his thing to fertilize the eggs or if it could be something else?
 

gritsar

Cows, Chooks & Impys - OH MY!
14 Years
Nov 9, 2007
28,913
414
681
SW Arkansas
chickenlover<3 :

really how can you tell ???

Roo damage is typically across the low back of the hen.

To the OP - I would recommend you look into some hen saddles to protect your hens.​
 

kscottjoyce

Chirping
8 Years
Feb 22, 2011
212
0
99
Townsend
Hmm, rough rooster... Would adding another hen at least make him more satisfied and not as rough with the hens? I do like having him around to protect the hens. Today a feral cat came to check out the hens and he chased it away. He is friendly, he comes up to me and makes a purring noise. Is it harmful to the hens at all?
 
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gritsar

Cows, Chooks &amp; Impys - OH MY!
14 Years
Nov 9, 2007
28,913
414
681
SW Arkansas
Quote:
Yes, it can stress the hens out. Stress them out too much and they could stop laying or fall ill.
 

kathyinmo

Nothing In Moderation
12 Years
May 14, 2009
24,541
365
476
(SW MO) Nevada, Missouri
My Coop
My Coop
I have pens with only a hen and a rooster, or a few with trios. Generally, I use aprons (or saddles) on the hens. I also let the girls out of the pens some days, just to give them a break from the roosters.

Good luck!
 

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