Advice needed!!

[Lee1]

Hello, I have 14 sexlink pullets that just started laying. Everything was going great, yesterday I noticed that my black sexlinks were missing feathersat the bottom of there back to the tail feathers! My red sexlinks are just starting to do the same, but my white hens look fine. I am thinking that the white pullets are pecking feathers off the rest of the pullets. I do not think that these are some kind of mite. I have a 6 x 8 hen house and a yard a little larger. Fresh water and laying pellets at all times. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do? Thanks Lee

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Do you have any roosters? Could this be feather damage from mating?

 

[rooster-red]

Great name you have there Lee!

Could they be starting moult?

 

[dbcooper02]

Boredom, crowding, feather picking? I'd try to give them more space if I could, and maybe give them some diversion such as some suspended greens to pick at instead of each other. It doesn't sound like a moult to me.
db

 

[Lee1]

Thanks everyone, went and bought a grain block (flock block) and put in hen house also will purchase hot pick and apply.

 

[blueskylen]

my chickens can't free range, and with the snow, bad weather,and time change - i don't get out to let them out of their run for the usual hour or so daily. I noticed the roo was loosing some of his tail feathers, and did get a flock block for them. they have completely finished one and now are on their second one. no more picking. I think it is a lot from boredom and just like humans- a bit cranky from being shut in and cold.