Hen losing feathers

[Kimmyk80]

My 8 month old EE cross hen is losing her feathers and it keeps getting worse. I picked her up and didn’t see any signs of mites and none of the rest of my flock are losing theirs. She still eats great, is active as always, and shows no signs of illness.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

That looks like damage from mating. Do you have a rooster?

 

[Kimmyk80]

I do have a buff Orp rooster. I wonder why it’s only her? And how can I fix it?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I agree mating damage.

Maybe she is his favorite?? Or maybe her feathers are more brittle.

Some folks use hen saddles.

How old is your Buff Orp and how many ladies does he have?

 

[Kimmyk80]

I agree mating damage.

Maybe she is his favorite?? Or maybe her feathers are more brittle.

Some folks use hen saddles.

How old is your Buff Orp and how many ladies does he have?

He is 10 months old ad has 11 hens, including this one.

 

[getaclue]

Either she's his favorite, or least favorite. Males can have a harem, but there will almost always be 1 hen that has a bare back. You can use a hen saddle, or cage him for awhile, until she gets her feathers back in good.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

He is 10 months old ad has 11 hens, including this one.

His hormones are probably raging high right now with his young age and day light increasing. As he matures some it will probably get a little better.

Those feathers she's missing may not grow back in until she molts.

The boys ALWAYS love my (favorite) EE the most as well. Your gal looks like a beautiful bird, no wonder he likes her!

 

[Kimmyk80]

His hormones are probably raging high right now with his young age and day light increasing. As he matures some it will probably get a little better.

Those feathers she's missing may not grow back in until she molts.

The boys ALWAYS love my (favorite) EE the most as well. Your gal looks like a beautiful bird, no wonder he likes her!

Awww thanks I will see if I can find a saddle for her. Is this painful for her? I sprayed her with some Vetericyn as a precaution.

 

[getaclue]

It shouldn't be painful, and unless you see an open wound, no medicinal treatment is required.

 

[Kimmyk80]

It shouldn't be painful, and unless you see an open wound, no medicinal treatment is required.

Thanks for the info! I think she hates me for this...