bald spots on the side of roo's head

[Mrs. K]

I have a roo, and Lately he has developed bald spots on the side of his head, just behind and below the ears.

What could cause that?

 

[sourland]

Is there any possibility that the hens are feather picking/plucking him?

 

[donrae]

I agree, sometimes the hens pluck feathers from the sides of his head. And he always just stands there and lets them!

 

[Mrs. K]

There is no sign of feather picking anywhere else on him or on the other hens.

 

[sourland]

For some reason hens will frequently target the sides of the face and the neck of a rooster. Why? I have not a clue, but many a rooster has lost his muffs, tufts, beards.

 

[Mrs. K]

hmmmm now that you mention it, my EE roo often lost his muff.... I never saw anyone peck at it, I might just spend some time down there and see.