Why do my hens look so wrecked?

[snuvy]

Here's the photos: http://imgur.com/a/gTtrl

Background, about 25 hens and 1 rooster live in a 150 ft coop (with outside time). They have a giant 5 gallon waterer and 5 gallon feeder.

Is this a disease/infestation problem?

Is this just what hens look like and is normal? (Some of them don't seem to have this problem, but others do).

Is this because my rooster is being too aggressive/big? (He's a Cochin, but the hens aren't--they're a mix of Rocks, Top Hats, EEs, and some other random stuff). (The rooster has all of his feathers).

I haven't seen any bleeding, only the missing feathers on their back (above the tail).

Anyway, any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!


Photos without link:

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

The photos show fairly classic signs of "rooster damage" - possibly exasperated by picking once an area was exposed. Those showing damage are likely his favorite hens - often if you spend time observing the flock you'll notice certain hens receive far more amorous attention than others. You can employ the use of hen saddles to provide cover for the hens' backs.

 

[snuvy]

Thanks for the insight. Would it possible to remove the Rooster from them for a few days at a time to let them have time to heal? Or will that mess up the entire pecking order?

I actually had a couple more roosters (that were much more alpha than my current one), so we gave them all away. Then when this guy tried to jump on some of the hens, they would literally chase him away haha. (He's such a softie). However, now it seems he's found his own way round.

The top hats are usually spared I feel, because they're a bit more flighty and fast and can get away from him.

 

[ochochicas]

My hens starting looking horrible after to I got a couple of Marans roosters. I got rid of them and now have a nice rooster that doesn't treat them roughly. The size of my roosters was one issue, but in generally they were just too rough regardless of their size.

You can also buy chicken saddles to protect your girls' backs.

 

[junebuggena]

How often do they get 'outside' time? 150 sq ft for 26 birds isn't very much room.

 

[dawg53]

How often do they get 'outside' time? 150 sq ft for 26 birds isn't very much room.

x2. Overcrowding can cause picking/pecking. Time to expand.

 

[snuvy]

How often do they get 'outside' time? 150 sq ft for 26 birds isn't very much room.

x2. Overcrowding can cause picking/pecking. Time to expand.

 

[junebuggena]

4 hours of yard time is not nearly enough for that many chickens kept in that kind of space. They might be getting overbred by the rooster simply because there isn't sufficient room to get away from him. Either reduce your flock size, or allow them better access to a larger area. If you resolve the space issue, you might even get better egg production.

 

[snuvy]

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll work on their space needs. Seems like a win-win, more room for the hens and hopefully less rooster damage in general.

4 hours of yard time is not nearly enough for that many chickens kept in that kind of space. They might be getting overbred by the rooster simply because there isn't sufficient room to get away from him. Either reduce your flock size, or allow them better access to a larger area. If you resolve the space issue, you might even get better egg production.