Hen w/featherless back - winter coming

[EggyErin]

I have a1-1/2 year old hen who has a bare spot on her back which extends a little way under her wings. I think it initially began when I had a rooster that was on her a lot. The rooster is gone. Some of the spot filled in but this last area refuses. I know it can take a while for feathers to grow out but it's been maybe three months. I added oyster shell to their food and now feed it free-choice. Hasn't seemed to help. I'm worried about how she'll stay warm this winter. Anything I can do other than get her a coat?

Thanks!

 

[allie5683]

I don't have advice, but am following this thread for help as well. I've had a hen with almost her entire body featherless (wings, legs, neck/head are fine, but her actual body is very sparse). She's had a bald patch on her back since she was given to me early last year, but it has never grown in and has gotten MUCH worse in the last couple of months. I don't think it's a pecking or malnutrition issue as she is at the top of the order and I feed them laying pellets, a variety of fresh treats, and they free range. I have treated the flock and coops for mites. And I read that black sunflower seeds are good for feather growth so I incorporated those as a regular treat. I was alarmed at first, but she has survived 18 months with a giant bald patch, however, now it looks so much worse and more extensive! I'm hoping some more experienced chicken owners have some tips and advice for us both!

 

[ten chicks]

I have a1-1/2 year old hen who has a bare spot on her back which extends a little way under her wings. I think it initially began when I had a rooster that was on her a lot. The rooster is gone. Some of the spot filled in but this last area refuses. I know it can take a while for feathers to grow out but it's been maybe three months. I added oyster shell to their food and now feed it free-choice. Hasn't seemed to help. I'm worried about how she'll stay warm this winter. Anything I can do other than get her a coat?

Thanks!

Feathers should grow in,but it does take awhile. To keep her warm you can use a hen saddle,with fleece lining on the inside, this will keep her warm until feathers regrow.

 

[ten chicks]

I don't have advice, but am following this thread for help as well. I've had a hen with almost her entire body featherless (wings, legs, neck/head are fine, but her actual body is very sparse). She's had a bald patch on her back since she was given to me early last year, but it has never grown in and has gotten MUCH worse in the last couple of months. I don't think it's a pecking or malnutrition issue as she is at the top of the order and I feed them laying pellets, a variety of fresh treats, and they free range. I have treated the flock and coops for mites. And I read that black sunflower seeds are good for feather growth so I incorporated those as a regular treat. I was alarmed at first, but she has survived 18 months with a giant bald patch, however, now it looks so much worse and more extensive! I'm hoping some more experienced chicken owners have some tips and advice for us both!

Has she gone through a molt? Feathers may not regrow until she has gone through a molt.

 

[allie5683]

Has she gone through a molt? Feathers may not regrow until she has gone through a molt.

I don't believe that she has. When I first got her last year and she had that bald patch I looked it up to see what I could do. And realized she had to molt before she'd be able to regrow. But, I don't think she has. But, I've had her for sooooo long now, I'm surprised by it. She seems fine and happy (though she did get a little sunburn this summer). She appears healthy in every way except that she's nearly bald on her body, very active, top of the pecking order, etc. But she just looks SO sad with her bald body. I don't know if she is laying as I free range my hens and some of them go to the coop to the lay but some lay randomly in the yard or trees. Guess I'll just have to keep waiting and hoping for the best.

 

[EggyErin]

So my hen may have to molt before she can regrow her feathers? Hmmm. It's about molting time for my flock. This would be her first one. Guess I'll go for the chicken saddle and hope it stays on.