Bald spot in back of the neck

[Znarf]

One of my Orpington pullets (9 months old) is losing feathers at the back of the neck. I have no idea how this is happening.
Last week she got a bit quiet and aloof. But she appears to be eating properly.
Although I have a nasty Orpington hen that will peck at the three pullets, she usually doesn't do any damage.
All the chickens free range so there is plenty of space for all of them.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

 

[Eggcessive]

I would suspect feather picking, or if there is a cockerel or rooster, he is doing that while trying to mate. Watch to see who is responsible. You might try some pine tar or Nustock cream (from the horse products aisle in feed stores,) to see if the bad taste stops this.

 

[Znarf]

Thanks! I don't have a rooster but it might be the older Orpington.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

At some point she lost some feathers but now had a lot of pin feathers coming in to replace those.

Likely the initial loss was from picking.

 

[Znarf]

Thanks, I will keep an eye on her!

 

[sourland]

Either she is going through a partial molt or regrowing feathers from an inadvertent feather loss. All looks good and healthy.