Why Are My Chickens Losing Feathers?

[chickenlady2017]

Hi there - new to chickens here -
About 4 of my 9 hens are all missing feathers on their backs right before their tails - you can sort of see in this terrible photo...
We thought they were just moulting but the feathers don't seem to be growing back.
Then we thought the rooster is pulling them out - when he jumps them that's where his feet are...
But after googling I saw that sometimes missing back feathers could be mites?
Any help would be really appreciated!!
PS don't mins this make shift fence tunnel - it's a run to a bigger area for them.

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

over-breeding, molting or feather picking.... it looks like over-breeding to me. how many hens per roo?

 

[Holly01]

Our old hens were over mated and lost feathers on their backs. You can make or buy an apron/saddle to protect their backs until new feathers grow back. It worked for our hens.

 

[theoldchick]

You are spot on about the rooster. Remove him from the flock and see if the feathers return. Some people put hen saddles on their birds to protect them from the rooster. Some people apply a Blu Kote to the area to keep other chickens from pecking the area.

 

[chickenlady2017]

over-breeding, molting or feather picking.... it looks like over-breeding to me. how many hens per roo?

I have 9 hens and 1 roo - but I guess since we don't let them roam free in the winter the roo has more opportunity... thanks!