Hello! 3 weeks ago I added three Plymouth Rock pullets to my flock of 2 hens. They are now 24 weeks old and started laying just before I got them. They have all appeared to be happy and healthy but their poop is a bit runny. This weekend, I noticed that one of the three hens is missing a patch of tail feathers. I don't see any blood, but her skin is exposed and raw where the feathers were and it looks painful (though she doesn't seem phased by it). I haven't seen her pecking at her feathers at all (though I have seen one of the other pullets pecking at both of her sisters occasionally). I also haven't seen anything that looks like mites or lice (though I've never seen them so I could be missing them). Some of her tail feathers also appear to be facing straight up.
Their previous owner told me that they exclusively foraged and they have done a combination of foraging and layer mash since they've been with me. I have had them in a smaller run (yet still quite large - about 15'x20') than they were used to previously. I have kept the three new pullets separated in a run adjacent to my other two hens (a Leghorn and an Americauna who are about 18 months old) so they can get to know each other but not come into contact.
I've included links to a few photos here. (Sorry they're not great! It was difficult to hold her while taking the photo.) I am guessing that the issue is stress since there has been a lot of transition and it only seems to be affecting this one pullet, but I'd appreciate it if anyone can confirm that or let me know if I should be concerned or look for other symptoms. I'd also love to know any treatments you recommend to help ease any pain she might be experiencing to help her feathers grow back. Thank you in advance for your help!
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AuIgnHF0cWUFhORJb3hhos6FYTwY5g
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AuIgnHF0cWUFhORKnaseG5sfebM-bA
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AuIgnHF0cWUFhORLwvwhemmO1EZs9A
Their previous owner told me that they exclusively foraged and they have done a combination of foraging and layer mash since they've been with me. I have had them in a smaller run (yet still quite large - about 15'x20') than they were used to previously. I have kept the three new pullets separated in a run adjacent to my other two hens (a Leghorn and an Americauna who are about 18 months old) so they can get to know each other but not come into contact.
I've included links to a few photos here. (Sorry they're not great! It was difficult to hold her while taking the photo.) I am guessing that the issue is stress since there has been a lot of transition and it only seems to be affecting this one pullet, but I'd appreciate it if anyone can confirm that or let me know if I should be concerned or look for other symptoms. I'd also love to know any treatments you recommend to help ease any pain she might be experiencing to help her feathers grow back. Thank you in advance for your help!
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AuIgnHF0cWUFhORJb3hhos6FYTwY5g
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AuIgnHF0cWUFhORKnaseG5sfebM-bA
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AuIgnHF0cWUFhORLwvwhemmO1EZs9A
