Hens have bare backs

[EggFarm65]

I recently added a six months old dark Brahma rooster to my flock of 16 (six are still young pullets). I just noticed that four of my hens have bare backs, broken feathers but no scratches or bleeding. I can't find any mites or lice, I don't think they are molting since one of them is only seven months old and they all lay eggs. I do have one hen that likes to peck feathers but she usually leaves the seven months old alone. I believe it is my rooster. He is such a sweet guy so I hate to get rid of him but I don't want to have half naked chickens. Does that sounds like my rooster is the culprit or is it something else? I would appreciate any help.

 

[Anon112]

Sounds like a rooster problem. You can try gently filing down his nails. You can try getting "saddles" for your hens who are having issues. You can try adding a few more hens so that they are being mated (in theory) less frequently.

If you have a picture it can help confirm what's going on.

 

[EggFarm65]

Sounds like a rooster problem. You can try gently filing down his nails. You can try getting "saddles" for your hens who are having issues. You can try adding a few more hens so that they are being mated (in theory) less frequently.

If you have a picture it can help confirm what's going on.

I have 16 hens all together but it seems he refers these four. The others are fast and get away from him. His spurs are not growing yet but I can file his nails with the dog trimmer. I did order saddles but I don't think it is a long term solution.
My question is will he ever change as he matures or will these four poor hens be always his favorite. None of the other 12 hens have damages. It is very frustrating, he is a very sweet guy. Thanks

 

[Altairsky]

It's normal. Bare backs bother us more than the hens. As long as there are no scratches or broken skin, don't worry.
To be on the safe side, keep the rooster's nails trimmed and filed down round and nice.