Molting? Disease? Missing feathers and red back

[brick2011]

First time posting! Avid reader on the forum, but new to posting. We have a New Hampshire Red roo and two RIR hens. We also have 14 younger chicks. One of my hens has been what I thought was molting and not laying eggs as much. Today, she laid a soft egg. When she does lay eggs (maybe 2x a week) they are always healthy. She has had feathers missing in the same spot for at least two months, maybe a little longer. She's skittish compared to our other girl, but still interacts. I have checked the coop and hen for lice and mites but haven't found anything. The roo and other hen have no issues. Attached is a photo. She is a little over a year old.

 

[coach723]

Looks like rooster damage. She is probably getting bred a lot more than the other hen, probably because she is more submissive, or a
"favorite". Two hens to one rooster is a low ratio. Once your younger chicks are old enough and integrated that will help. But don't rush that, if the chicks are not old enough he can hurt them. I always go very slow with lots of supervision when I integrate new chicks to a flock with a rooster. You can try a hen saddle to help protect her back. http://www.hensaver.com/
You can also find free patterns here and on line to make your own. The feathers can take a long time to grow back, sometimes not until the next molt. Depending on her age, 2 eggs a week may be normal, or she may be stressed which could cause a decrease in laying, or anomalies in the eggs.

 

[brick2011]

Thanks so much for your reply! After checking her over very thoroughly with my husband's help, we discovered it was indeed rooster damage. He has always been very aggressive and tried to attack our toddler recently. After much consideration, we have decided he is not the best fit for our backyard. Thanks again so much!