Hens backs are bare-no feathers

[wsquared]

Can someone please tell me if our rooster is responsible for the bare backs on our hens? My hens are about 10 months old and the rooster is the same age. We have one RIR rooster and 5 hens. The barred rock hen and the americauna hen have bare backs but the RIR hens do not. Is this something to do with the breed? Any suggestions?

I really appreciate all of you knowledgeable and experienced chicken owners out there!

 

[poultrykeeper08]

yeah he is !! It happens when they are trying to mate . Seperate the roo from the hens

 

[Katy]

More than likely he's responsible. The 2 with the barest back are probably his favorites. You could put chicken saddles on them to protect them or get more hens.

 

[pacountrygirl]

I'd like to know this too! The rooster can cause this but with hens that don't know to "hold still for him".

However, I know longer have a rooster with them and some of their backs are still bare. Also, some of them look like their going bald...is this considered molting?

 

[chickenfever]

Quote:
Or get a different roo

 

[the1much]

Quote:
yups

 

[WiseChicks]

so THAT'S what chicken saddles are for!!!

I've had NO CLUE, but felt too silly to ask!

Every time I see the term, I picture a chicken with a miniature horse saddle giving rides to little toy people.......

 

[Chef]

Just get saddle's. They're cheap and very effective. A roo is going to do what a roo does which is mate with the females and control social order, and protect. Either seperate or get saddles. You can find good one's on here just search saddle. Good luck.


Chef

 

[blackrooster]

its were the roosters been breeding