Hen missing feathers

[JeremyKSullivan]

Hello, my wife and I just got our first chickens. We bought them at an auction near home. One of our hens is missing feathers. Otherwise, she acts/appears healthy. Will these feathers grow back? Is there anything I need to do to help?

 

[Ducclelover10]

Chickens do molt their feathers regularly, but it almost looks like she's only losing them in one spot, that's odd.
They could have been pulled out by another chicken.

 

[JeremyKSullivan]

My theory, is that whoever had her before me probably had her with multiple roosters that had their way with her. I just wondered if I should be alarmed, or if I can/should do anything to help her grow them back.

 

[Ducclelover10]

My theory, is that whoever had her before me probably had her with multiple roosters that had their way with her. I just wondered if I should be alarmed, or if I can/should do anything to help her grow them back.

They should grow back fine. That's what I was thinking, the roosters do pull out the hen's back feathers a lot!

 

[Ducclelover10]

If there are a bunch of roosters that are going to continue to pull out her back feathers, there are places you can purchase a chicken saddle, to let them grow back nice and thick or to keep that bare skin from getting injured.

 

[JeremyKSullivan]

Thanks for the tip! I only have her with 1 young rooster and 1 other hen now, so hopefully they'll come back. If not soon, I'll look into the saddle. Thanks again!

 

[Ducclelover10]

You are welcome!

 

[chickenfarmer74]

I have the same problem with my hens, and they have never been around a rooster. Maybe 6 of my dozen are missing feathers on there back, just like in the photo. I can not figure out why they are losing them. They are only 11 months old and everyone says molting doesn't start this earlier. I can not find any mites or lice. Anyone have any more suggestions?

 

[IGmom]

i have a black chicken that is missing feathers on her back similar to that, close to the base of the tail. i have a small silky rooster that i suspect is over mating with them. some of the other hens have it or are starting to show signs of it.