Are they being picked on?

[gabby3535]

I have a small mixed flock of 8. All are about 1 year old....all raised together.
As 3 of the 8 were purchased as a 'young trio', I "should" have 1 roo.
But I realize with some breeds the seller takes his best, educated guess when putting together a 'young trio', and what was thought to be a young roo might, indeed, be a pullet. No one of the 3 ever crows, and I believe I have seen all 3 in nest boxes, leading me to think I have a flock of 8 hens, vs one of 7 hens and a roo!
The 3 that make up the former 'young trio' are Light Sussex.
All 3 of them have had most of the feathers on the back and side of their necks pulled out by 'someone' (s?).
At first I thought this was 'evidence' of mounting behavior of a roo....
but then why would it only be on the 3 Sussex's necks?
Also, there are no damaged back feathers. Which would be sure evidence of a roo 'doing his thing'!
So now I am thinking that I do not have a roo, for sure.....and that the Sussex are being picked on?
Does this sound logical, with the info I have provided?
Not one of the other hens has damaged or picked feathers, not on neck or backs.
Could it be because the Sussex are the only white ones in the flock?
And should I be treating their necks with something, or protecting their necks with some article of chicken clothing?
What does it sound like to you?

 

[schellie69]

sounds like these 3 might be at the bottom of the pecking order in your flock, if the others see pecked areas they will also peck at it, maybe put those 3 in a different pen till their feathers grow back out, or try and find something to cover the bald spots with, a rooster would be crowing by a year old so I think it is the other hens pecking at the 3, hopefully someone with more experience will respond..