Balding on front of neck under chin

[kenyabob]

I am seeing the same thing with my 18 month rhode island red. She's been losing feathers around the neck over the past three weeks. No other chicken is exhibiting this. Not sure what to do, hope they come back. With everyone elses comments, however, it doesnt seem like there is any real health concern here. Does that seem right?

 

[tatiana916]

Was just wondering how these chickens are now.
My chicken has got exactly the same symptoms (alpha female, no cockrel in sight, white non-irritated skin, laying eating and playing as normal) as a first time 'mother hen' I was worried for my poor little chicken and immediatly went to the pet store for anti mite and louse powder, anti peck etc.
Did anyones chickens get their feathers back or were they quite happy with their mini bald patches?

 

[AnnieAlbright]

This happened to one of my EE's. She is very sweet and I think she was just getting picked on. There was never any skin damage or irritation, she just had no beard. It's growing back now and everything seems fine.

 

[Sphinx]

Maybe the EE are embarrassed to have beards? I had the same thing with my EE girls last year when they were about a year old. Since they seemed perfectly healthy, other than missing a good bit of their beard, I figured it was bullying by the other birds and didn't worry about it.

Spa day for threading/waxing in the hen house!

 

[Darrahs]

Thanks all for posting this info. Just noticed it in our sweet, mild mannered Ameraucana Hedwig. Poor girl. It is so reassuring to be able to come here to find answers as a first time chicken owner!

 

[aubreyjo]

Help what is going on with my hen?! I don't see any live or mites. Can someone please tell me what I need to do

 

[Faraday40]

I'm seeing the same thing in my coop. 1st both crested hens got haircuts. Not bald, but no pretty poofs remained. The next day both EEs lost their cheeks & beards. About a week later, 2 Sussex & an Orpington went bald on the neck. Skin is white & not irritated. I'm guessing that one or both of the 2 remaining hens is the culprit. I hope it grows back quickly & this feather styling is not a new habit.

In my case, I think it may have been b/c they were cooped up on nice days & simply wanted out. (With the AI threat in all the neighboring states, I kept them locked up until June.)

 

[Tucs]

My BO Alpha hen just displayed a naked neck with healthy looking skin. I think she is pulling the feathers herself. The other two girls would not dare antagonizing her. They have a lot of space and entertainment. Maybe I need to treat them for mites?

 

[pj550v12]

Bump to the top, any more ideas? I too am dealing with this issue.

 

[ultraflora]

I also am noticing this on several of my hens (out of a total of 13 birds- the rest look normal). I have not seen anyone picking at the feathers in that location (mine are right below the chin, extending a couple of inches down the front of the neck), although I watch them pick on each other in normal chicken ways. Perhaps it is happening while roosting? Or first thing in the morning before I get into the coop and let them out into the run?