I have a question about hens

[kmartinez]

Last weekend the hubby and i went to flea market just to do something different. we noticed people selling chickens, turkeys, peacocks u name it even parakeets. ..But the hens i noticed had bare backs no feathers just skin. I chalked it up to them being unhealthy. however this AM I went to another flea market for some fruits and veggies and went down the hill to see the turkeys and again noticed the chickens hens had missing feathers..I am puzzled why are they missing feathers like that..

 

[forgetful]

It is normally due to the rooster being too aggressive while mating. This can be caused by there not being enough hens in the flock, or they being his favorites. Also, once they are missing a few feathers the other hens can begin pecking at it and making the issue worse

 

[kmartinez]

aww ok IC now...I learned something..I felt bad for those hens though.. So my girls there are 16 to one rooster..I heard that is a good ratio..is there a way to curb such behavior if my roo starts messing up my girls pretty feathers..Now I am worried about them ..They have beautiful soft feathers I dont want him messing them up..

 

[forgetful]

There are things called chicken saddles, which are basically pieces of fabric over the hen's back attached by an elastic band around her middle. It prevents the rooster from clawing her back, while still being able to mate. However if you have no problems with it currently you are unlikely to. Some roosters are much more gentle than others, and some can learn to be more gentle with age.