The work or a rooster or a parasite?

[HerdAndHome]

I have a frizzle Sapphire Jewel female pullet born September 2nd of '25, and a Black Ameraucana (surprise cockerel boo-hiss) born September 8th of '25. They are two of 18 chickens.
This one Sapphire Jewel has a lot of feathers missing on her back. Does this seem to be the work of the jerk or a parasite?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have a frizzle Sapphire Jewel female pullet born September 2nd of '25, and a Black Ameraucana (surprise cockerel boo-hiss) born September 8th of '25. They are two of 18 chickens.
This one Sapphire Jewel has a lot of feathers missing on her back. Does this seem to be the work of the jerk or a parasite?

Looks like rooster damage, but it would also be wise to look for mites and lice. Go out when she's roosting at night and inspect her feathers around the vent, under the wings, etc. Run a paper towel along roosting bars to see if you get any bugs or smears on the towel too.

You can put a hen saddle on her to help protect her back while it heals up, but check the fit of the saddle several times a week along with inspecting the skin underneath to make sure everything is healing well and looks good.

 

[StinkyAcres]

You can put a hen saddle on her to help protect her back while it heals up, but check the fit of the saddle several times a week along with inspecting the skin underneath to make sure everything is healing well and looks good.

Sorry to barge in but I've been wondering if the feathers can grow back from rooster damage like this without waiting until their annual molt.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Sorry to barge in but I've been wondering if the feathers can grow back from rooster damage like this without waiting until their annual molt.

Ime, not many will grown back until molt.

I've randomly circled some areas, you see broken and worn feathers, those won't be replaced. There's also intact feather shafts still in the skin, generally these will not be replaced either. Possible some feathers may be replaced earlier than molt.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Ime, not many will grown back until molt.

I've randomly circled some areas, you see broken and worn feathers, those won't be replaced. There's also intact feather shafts still in the skin, generally these will not be replaced either. Possible some feathers may be replaced earlier than molt.




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Thanks!! I guess my poor girls will be bald until fall..