Hen is loosing feathers

[Triciaw43734]

I have a handful of hens like this is it the roosters or something else. They are not even a yr old yet.

 

[AshVau22]

Yes that is damage from a rooster. What is your rooster to hen ratio?

 

[Eggcessive]

Can you separate the rooster in a pen to give the hens a break? In their first year young roosters can drive a few of their favorites crazy and cause feather damage. I have used hen saddles on a few of the worst when mine were a year old. You can find those online for sale. They won’t grow those feathers back until their first big molt at around 18 months old give or take.

 

[Triciaw43734]

Yes that is damage from a rooster. What is your rooster to hen ratio?

Was 21 to 3 I just got rid of one of the roo’s so there is only 2 now.

 

[Triciaw43734]

I will have to look for some saddles thank you

 

[AshVau22]

Get the saddles with the wing guards. I have some hens who only need lower back and then others that need the wing guards with back cover. They will pick favorites. I have 23 girls to 2 boys and they have favorites. The problem I have seen is each roo trying to claim the same poor hen. They roam about an acre so they can get away if needed but they still cause feather damage.

 

[Eggcessive]

Separate the two roosters together if possible in a bachelor pen. Give the pullets a break for awhile.

 

[Triciaw43734]

Get the saddles with the wing guards. I have some hens who only need lower back and then others that need the wing guards with back cover. They will pick favorites. I have 23 girls to 2 boys and they have favorites. The problem I have seen is each roo trying to claim the same poor hen. They roam about an acre so they can get away if needed but they still cause feather damage.

Thank you I have saddles coming today.

 

[Eggcessive]

I have made some no-sew one piece hen saddles out of a 7x8 inch piece of polar fleece, and cut 2 slits for the wings. Those are soft, stay on pretty well, and can be trimmed to size.