Naked Wings

[ProjectChick]

Hello,

I have one Hen out of 6 that seems to have lost her feathers on her back \ wings. The other hens have not lost any. I assume it is from the rooster, but my daughter is concerned about her with winter coming, so I said I would ask. I will share a picture of her. My question is, is it from the rooster? Why is it only her? And should we worry about her naked skin with winter coming? Thanks for all your help.

 

[Free Spirit]

Looks a lot like rooster damage from over mating. There are a few things you can do.

A. Separate the rooster from the flock.
B. Separate the hen from the flock and give her a chance to heal.
C. Look into Hen Saddles that will both protect the hen from the rooster and also give her a chance to heal without the other birds pecking at her wounds.

Here is a link so you know what hen saddles are. You can do more research to find out more about them and get a pattern to make your own.

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/11/chicken-saddles-chicken-diapers-who-knew.html

I don't keep rooster for this reason since I don't breed hens. I just want the eggs to eat.

 

[ambrosegirl84]

I have a hen with the same thing going on! I thought it was from the rooster or other chickens, but after much observation she appears to be the BOSS chicken; even the rooster defers to her. Could it still be from the roo? We have 6 hens and 1 rooster. I would separate her, but afraid of her getting too cold without being able to roost with everyone else.

 

[ambrosegirl84]

 

[Free Spirit]

I have a hen with the same thing going on! I thought it was from the rooster or other chickens, but after much observation she appears to be the BOSS chicken; even the rooster defers to her. Could it still be from the roo? We have 6 hens and 1 rooster. I would separate her, but afraid of her getting too cold without being able to roost with everyone else.

That too looks like rooster damage. If there is only one hen in the group showing these injuries it is probably because the rooster has a favorite hen. Here is an article on keeping roosters you should read.
http://www.bluestar-ranch.com/rooster.html#.VkoJnO5dE5s

Hens can be seriously injured or die from over mating so you will need to find a solution such as separating the rooster and only allow him out with the girls occasionally.

 

[ProjectChick]

It is interesting that you say the one in your flock showing the damage is the Top hen. I believe that is the case in mine as well. I am not sure how I can separate them out, I only have one coop. I will have to think about that.

 

[ambrosegirl84]

Me, too. We have just one coop and one water heater, etc. I'm not sure I want to spend more $$$ on separate equipment to keep one rooster for the winter. :/ Maybe we'll have to have stew. He's a good rooster, though and I want chicks in the spring.

 

[ProjectChick]

I am keeping mine to protect the chickens. We live in an area with a lot of wild life and flying predators. I have seen him warn them to take cover more than once while they free range. I can't see the expense of a second setup either, so I ordered her a saddle. We will see if that helps.