Not sure where to post this

[project7030]

My hens are starting to look pretty scraggly. Their rump feathers are broken off, along with their neck feathers. Its not molting. Is it possible my two roos are getting too rough? Or are they pecking at each other? They look terrible.

 

[Kevin565]

What's your hen to roo ratio?

 

[Mahonri]

You could have both problems. Do they have enough space?

 

[project7030]

I have 11 hens and two roosters. The coop dimensions are 7x7 ft. and their run is about 10x8. They also free range every other day. Its been very nice this month.

 

[project7030]

Bump

 

[ECBW]

I would suggest observing them closely.

If they are pecking as in fighting, cornering and pinning, it would be evident. Then maybe seperation may be necessary.

If they are only establishing pecking order, there is really no issue in that regard. You might then look for signs of parasite.

They do not molt on a schedule. My experience has been that me Leghorn did not molt till 2-years-old. Production Red was on molting phase, looking scraggly for 1 year, but finally grew the feathers back.

I observed that they were eating, drinking, active, behaving normally, so I just let them be and continue to keep observe them.