Losing Feathers

[Texaschicken]

I have 8 hens and one rooster. The hens started to lose some feathers when it got cold which I figured was normal. They had grown most of them back but I have noticed that most of them are losing feathers again. Almost completely of their back and a few wing feathers. I have dusted them and the house thinking maybe mites. I still have the problem. I am wondering if its the rooster. He seems fairly rough and I have seen a few feathers fly when he mounts. Any Ideals

 

[Hennyhandler]

I bet it is the rooster. Is it like above the tail and where you would think the shoulder would be on the wing, like where the wing meets the body? My roo did this and I had to get them saddles and then it just got to be too much and I rehomed him to a nice place with LOTS more girlies for him. I would suggest going out and watching for a little bit to confirm its the rooster and if you want you can buy some hen saddles or think about getting rid of the rooster. Good luck, I know it took me a long time and a lot of thinking to make the decision to get rid of my roo but now I know it was the best thing. My hens are soo much calmer and happier.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

I agree, it sounds like the roo and it is that time of the year. But to be sure, check them again for bugs and if you want to keep the roo, you could pen him up away from the girls for a while.

 

[Texaschicken]

Some hens are worse than others , the worst has feathers missing from the base of the back of the neck , along the back and and some wing feathers at the edges. Some just have feathers off from the rear, one or 2 just some thin spots. One other question, I have one hen sitting now ( this is the 7th day). The other chickens don't seem to mess with her, can I leave her in with the flock until they hatch or do I need to seperate her?

 

[max101]

I think leaving a broody with the rest of the flock is fine.
But I have heard of other chickens hurting the little ones when hatched.
I have pekin chooks and they are a gentle breed so my chicks are left with the flock and everything goes well.
What type of chickens do you have??