Hens with bare backs in winter -- is that healthy?

[SIMZ]

Hi all!

We have 2 Golden Comets that have been missing most of their back feathers since spring. Several of our hens were like this, but everyone else has grown in new feathers except for these two. They are both top of the pecking order, by the way.

It's been very cold and these two are walking around with completely bare backs. Is this healthy? I'm concerned that one may have even gotten frostbitten. Is that a possibility?

Have others had hens that live in a continuous state of no feathers and are ok? All summer they've looked like terribly treated battery hens.......but now I'm more concerned about their health and comfort.

Thanks for any insight!

 

[thebanthams]

They will be fine. that caused by rooster mating . If you want their feathers back , you can either seperate them from rooster, or make a "hawking" apron for them.

 

[donrae]

Sounds like they're your roosters favorite girls. You should sperate them or otherwise re think your flock management.