Ideas on how to keep long tails looking nice?

[Balechicks]

Hi!
I was wondering if people have suggestions on keeping their longer tailed chickens looking nice. I have a few Sumatras, one is 2 yrs old and the others are 3.5 months old. All of their tails are a bit broken/ missing sections. The older hen has a roost with plenty of room, I have no idea what she messes her tail up on?? The youngsters are a bit crowded as I am trying to hold off on a bigger pen that is not quite ready for them. They free range during the day, but at night they all cuddle up, so I know that can't be helping! There are no roosters that could be messing the tails up and the old hen is the top dog, hands down!
Anyways, hopefully someone can help me out with a few pointers.
Thanks, Andrea

 

[Cuban Longtails]

When they roost are their tail feathers far enough away from the side of the pen as to not rub against anything?

If they are free ranging, feathers can be broken on just about anything.

Try feeding an extra source of vitamin E to help feather strength.

 

[centrarchid]

My birds (games) get under vehicles and rub up against tranmission which seems to be damaging feathers. Apparently motorcycle has oil getting in their tails as well.