Pecking help!

[coleman517]

I'm new to chickens and don't know that much yet. We got our 24 chickens almost a year ago now and they were doing super well until a few months ago. I started noticing bald spots on their lower back and sometimes there would be some Rae looking spots. Is this normal? How can I make it stop? I've tried oyster shells but wasn't sure how often or how much to give.

Help please

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Do you have a rooster? Sounds like wearing from mating, or if no rooster feather picking.

 

[coleman517]

I have one rooster in with them.
Is there something I can do or will it go away?

 

[JadedPhoenix]

If he is only doing this to a few hens, then it sounds like they are his favorite. Some people may remove the roo from either all of the hens or just the ones being over-mated. You could also try saddles that are made for chickens. They can come in a variety of cute types and their sole purpose is to protect the hen from this kind of injury. Though if you like to play dress-up with your chickens, you'll never have enough.

 

[coleman517]

That is so cute! Where do you find them?
Also will feathers grow back?

 

[JadedPhoenix]

That is so cute! Where do you find them?
Also will feathers grow back?

The feathers will grow back if given some relief. You can also give a bit of extra protein to the affected hens to help speed up the recovery. You can google Chicken Saddles and you'll find lots of places that sell them at a variety of prices.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That is so cute! Where do you find them?
Also will feathers grow back?

Usually the feathers won't grow back until the fall molt.