Missing feathers on back

[Jennyhaschicks]

A couple of my hens are missing feathers on their backs. Well, the feathers aren't ripped out just broken off.
Would the cause of this be breeding?
Sorry I am fairly new to this, but breeding is the only thing I can think of??

 

[Chicken Woman]

Yes your roster is being rough. How many hens to roo ratio do you have ? If you have to many roo's thay can wear those girls out. Should be around 8 hens to a roo. There is a garment you can put on them to help the feathers gro back in but I can't think of what it's called .

IM sure someone else will come along and tell you about it.

 

[Jennyhaschicks]

I have 3 roos right now. I only have 9 hens.

I know. I know. We were supposed to cull 2 of the roos this weekend. We ended up taking the kids somewhere on Sat and my nephews b day party on Sunday. So they are going this week (end) at the latest.
As far as I have seen my hens don't let the younger roos breed them. I didn't know if they were grabbing my hens and trying to breed them and breaking feathers.
On the other hand I think my older roo can be a bit rough.

 

[Chicken Woman]

I think it's called a saddle. Go to search and type in saddle.

 

[sammi]

yep...they're called chicken saddles..
try poultry supply places online,
some people make them,
google "chicken saddles"...you'll find links for them there.