Troubled hen in the mini flock

[euphony]

Hi y’all. Been having concerns about one lady in the flock. Maybe y’all could help with pointing us in the right direction. She is losing feathers along her back. Her skin is now getting red. One other hen is starting to lose feathers in a very small spot as well.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Do you have a rooster? Looks like mating wearing.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hello and welcome to BYC. Pending your response, I agree with Oldhens.

Best wishes
Pork Pie

 

[drumstick diva]

Roosters tend to over breed some hens, mainly the ones they can catch easiest. One rooster can handle 10 hens, any less and they will get over bred. If you don't need a rooster for fertile eggs, the hens will lay just as many (infertile) eggs without him and be much less stressed.

 

[euphony]

Nope. No rooster. Thanks for the replies. Keep em coming.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Well without a rooster one of your hens must be mating the others. Otherwise it would be feather picking, but that generally happens around the vent or the head. The final option is self mutilation due to mites or lice. So check her over good for external parasites, and check your roost cracks as well.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

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[BlueBaby]

Hello, and welcome to BYC!