Is my rooster overmating?

[Platy04]

Some of my hens have ruffled feathers or bare spots on their back, neck, and/or head. I'm pretty sure this is becase of my rooster. I used to have 7 hens and one rooster but a hen recently passed away so now i'm left with 6. The only solutions I can think of for this problem are getting more hens or getting rid of my rooster. Because I dont want to get rid of my rooster really the only choice would be to get more hens but I understand that is a very long process. Are there any more solutions to this problem? And if not whats the best way to introduce new chickens to the flock?

 

[CluckerCottage]

Rule of thumb is 10-12 hens per rooster. It definitely sounds like over mating.
If you can get some new hens around the same age as your current ones, do so since you want to keep your boy.
Let them see each other through a fence for a week or so before you integrate them.
In the meantime, saddles may be helpful for your poor hens. You an buy them through Amazon, Mypetchicken.com and other places.
Best wishes!

 

[Platy04]

thank you!
put saddles on today ill see how it goes