Saddle feathers damaged

[Ingavid]

My eyes may be playing tricks on me, but it looks like the RIR that's next to the BO (very first picture) has the start of feather damage starting along the same line. Please overlook me if I'm seeing things wrong.

Thanks for your sharp eyes. I will check on the RIR in the morning.

 

[Ingavid]

Thanks for your sharp eyes. I will check on the RIR in the morning.

I looked this morning. The RIR just had some ruffled up feathers in that shot. Feathers are all ok.

 

[Sally PB]

I don’t know how feathers react to that type of heat

Just a tossing a thought out... if the heater made contact in a line and weakened them, maybe as the bird was preening, she broke them off...? This is very strange looking. Please post any new information when you have any.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

My question is, why are you wasting electric on a heat device on adult Orpingtons and Rhode Island Reds? Bother breeds were developed in cold climates before there was any means to provide heat. Perhaps you are in a dramatically colder climate than New England.

 

[Ingavid]

My question is, why are you wasting electric on a heat device on adult Orpingtons and Rhode Island Reds? Bother breeds were developed in cold climates before there was any means to provide heat. Perhaps you are in a dramatically colder climate than New England.

I worry when temps go into low teens or below 0 occasionally. Feet and combs especially.