Americana Hen missing feathers

[chickenmomma2]

I have an Americana hen missing an area of feathers on her back about the size of a 50 cent piece. It's low on her back close to her tail feathers. She is not new to the coop. She arrived with 16 others back in May. Everyone has been getting along fine but I've noticed one of my Buffs (that she grew up with) has been aggressive toward her as well as others. Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[willowbranchfarm]

If you have a rooster, it could be from him mating with your hens. When roosters mate they grab on to the hen and sometimes pull out a few feathers in the process.

 

[DDRanch]

Even if you don't have a rooster, it is possible that one of your more agressive hens is mounting her, thus creating a bald spot in the area you indicate. That happened in my little flock. I eventually re-homed the agressive hen.

 

[chickenmomma2]

Thanks. I was always told Buffs were "sweet". Well, this one hen isn't that sweet. I'll be keeping an eye on them. Thanks.