Balding Hen

[bluejay949]

Hello,

My favorite little hen has two issues. She is low man in the coop and picked on by four other hens and she is losing feathers on her head. I don't know if she has a parasite problem or if the other hens are pulling out her feathers. I have examined her but don't know enough to be able to discern what's going on. These are my first chickens. The other hens look fine. I've examined them all for mites and don't see anything happening there. I have attached a photo. I am hoping that more experienced chicken owners might be able to help me.

Thank you kindly!

 

[Poultry parent]

It's probably picking

 

[Kiki]

Looks like pecking to me too.

 

[rebrascora]

How much space do they have? This sort of feather damage is often caused by boredom or not enough space. If the bullied hen is unable to get out of sight of the higher ranking hens they will continue to bully her and pick feathers. If the space is adequately large, then making perches and screens for the victim to get out of sight or away from the bullies should help and more than one feed and water station is a good idea. Also, giving them grass cuttings or a pile of compost for them to scratch through or a cabbage hung up for them to peck at will help occupy their attention and keep them from focussing their frustrations on your poor underdog.