Ack! Two of my hens are getting plucked clean under their beaks

[KelBelle]

What the heck!? Grrrrrr..........I noticed a little bit of a bald spot below one of my hens beaks the other day. It looked like the feathers were growing back and there was no injury or anything. I figured something odd happened and that it would be fine. I just went out the coop and found one EE on one roosting bar and BO on the nest one up and the BO was plucking her clean below the beak! She just sat there like it didn't bother her even. I split them up, but now what do I do? The wind calmed down so I opened the coop door in hope that this would distract the BO from the plucking. I found something elsewhere about beef tallow? Should I give them some? I have a bunch in the freezer that I could toss out there. The two that are missing feathers are EEs and it can be hard to see the bald spot unless they are looking up. What a bully. I want to smack that BO. Don't worry, I won't, but man this irks me.

 

[littlemissjellyfish]

What the heck!! My EE's beard is missing, too!! I haven't seen anyone picking on her. What's going on?!? Any ideas what happened to her beard?? Thanks!

 

[Momo]

This happens sometimes with Ameraucanas and EEs. It's because they drink and get their beard/muffs wet, then they eat and get bits of food stuck on there... so they're basically wearing a snack on their face.

 

[axion_lotus]

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[mdpfeifer]

The same things just happened to my EE also a couple of weeks ago. Will the beard grow back and when or how long? Does anyone know.

 

[viktoriacl]

Same thing with one of my EEs. Right after a frozen egg was half eaten. Hmmm? Wonder who it was? Lol

 

[KelBelle]

I guess I am not going to worry about it now. They don't seem bothered by it and there are no injuries. It hasn't gone beyond the areas that have had food stuck to them either so I really don't think it is a bullying issue. Thanks for the replies!

 

[mdpfeifer]

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I feel the same way. I was feeling sick inside when I first saw my poor beardless baby but she is happy as can be and gets along great with my other three. Again....does anyone know how long or when the beard will grow back?