My Buff Orpington Emmy has saddle feathers that appear to have been cut with scissors. My 4 hens all get along fine- 2 Buff orpingtons and 2 RIReds all 7 months old. They are in a 10x 10 ft run most of the day and I let them free range in my backyard when Im home. I have not seen any signs of predators. What could have caused this?
Saddle feathers damaged
- Thread starter Ingavid
- Start date
Is there any chance she could’ve damaged the feathers on any fencing?
Do you have a rooster?
Do you have a rooster?
- Thread starter
- #3
I have no roosters. I only have hardware cloth surrounding the run. I cant figure it out, its not like feathers were plucked out as it looks like a straight cut across. Doesnt seem like any of the other chickens could have bitten them off like that. I think it will remain a mystery. She is emotionally stable and happy. Thanks for your reply.
Do you have a trail camera that you could put up to see if there are any predators inspecting the coop?
If wire didn’t damage the feathers maybe a predator mouth damaged it.
Otherwise, I’m stumped!
If wire didn’t damage the feathers maybe a predator mouth damaged it.
Otherwise, I’m stumped!
- Thread starter
- #5
My coop and run are predator proof. Something may have gotten to her while fee ranging however. Mmmm I just had a thought- wonder if my 100 watt ceramic heater could have burned feathers in the coop? It is close to one of the roosting perches, however they dont really look burned.
Hmmmm
I don’t know how feathers react to that type of heat (if they turn black or fall off)
The Kooky Kiwi
Crowing
One way to find out! Get a discarded feather or two and put them close to the ceramics - see what happens...
That seems like your most plausible theory so far though..
- Thread starter
- #8
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.
I enlarged and circled the spot I was referring to. Again, it's a possibility that my eyes are playing tricks on me.
It looks to be starting along the same line as the BO, if this even is feather damage.
It looks to be starting along the same line as the BO, if this even is feather damage.
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