Hen losing feathers

[CountryGirl2014]

One of my hens is losing feathers on her back, and I know they are not being plucked out. It pretty much looks like they are all just falling out and im not sure what to do about it, or if its serious.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

is it in one spot in the middle of her back?

 

[Eggcessive]

Is your chicken molting? They usually do that at 18 months, then yearly thereafter. Do you have a rooster? A picture might help.

 

[CountryGirl2014]

yea, it is one spot in the middle of her back

 

[CountryGirl2014]

I dont think she is molting, my chickens are only 8 months old, she is a bit smaller then the rest of the hens too. Yes we do have a rooster

 

[Granny Hatchet]

it could be mites but more then likely your rooster is doing this.

 

[Eggcessive]

I dont think she is molting, my chickens are only 8 months old, she is a bit smaller then the rest of the hens too. Yes we do have a rooster

Many times if a hen is very docile and lower in the pecking order she will become barebaked from the rooster treading on her back during mating. Make sure you have enough hens. 10-12 hens for 1 rooster is a good ratio. Sometimes even then there will be one who is a little "too willing." Some people put little shirts or chicken aprons on the backs of those chickens until their feathers grow back at the next molt.