What The Heck is wrong with my chickens???????????????????

[sadie1953]

YAY Got picture to work




Okay tried to attach a picture but it won't let me. I have 1 Rooster and 7 hens, Rhode Island Reds, they started losing their back feathers about 4 months ago. I thought it might be motting but just not sure. All but 2 are naked on the back. What do I do?
First time chicken person. Raised them from 6wks till now. They were a year old in April. Any help would greatly be apperciated!!!

 

[CherishHolland]

They are just too sexy for their own good!

Your roo loves them until they are featherless! Looks like they are his favorites.

 

[PoultryGirly]

It may be mites or lice, but I really think it is from the rooster mating the hens too much. You can buy chicken saddles to protect their backs from the rooster.

 

[gilmoujr]

Too much loving?

 

[sadie1953]

Oh my goodness!!!! Saddles where do u find that? Gosh what to do? Will he ever quit!

 

[Partyfowl]

Yup. Thats a lot of lovin!!
There's a lady here on BYC, check under the buy sell trade section. You can order saddles from her. eBay also has them.

 

[PoultryGirly]

Here is a link to saddles that I bought for my hens for the same reason: http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-CHICKEN-S...383?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27cf165b27

The rooster probably won't stop mating until he is getting old or isn't interested in those hens anymore. He's not meaning to hurt the hens, but his claws/spurs/body are rubbing the feathers off. I would also make sure that the hens aren't wounded on their backs or under their wings.

 

[sadie1953]

Thanks everyone Guess I will be dressing up my Hens.