Lost feathers and happy to be pecked!?

Rick0601

In the Brooder
Apr 13, 2016
6
0
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We have 3 chickens. 2 of them have recently been losing a lot of feathers and look generally dishevelled. They are only 9 months old. We have noticed some pecking going on, but the pecking is being done by the chicken at the bottom of the pecking order and the two being pecked are seemingly quite happy to be pecked. I'm hoping someone might have had some experience with such behaviour. All 3 seem generally happy. We get 18 eggs a week between them. They have a decent sized coop and we let them roam the garden when we are home... See attached photos. Any advice appreciated.
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I would check them over for mites and lice. Part the feathers around their vents and check for reddish-brown bugs or clumps of eggs around the base of their feathers...

What is the protein percentage in their food? Sometimes, protein deficiency can lead to feather picking.

MrsB
 
The protein percentage is 16. They get additional protein from a couple of handfuls of mealworms each, a day.

Will check around the base of feathers and around vent as suggested. Would lice/mites be easy to see?

Thanks
 
True, although chickens typically molt in the Fall. I've heard of molting in Spring, but I'm unsure how common it is.

They sure do look like old, used rags when they blow their feathers, though!! :D

MrsB
 

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