Bare butts

[chickafila]

Our flock of 1 1/2 year old hens have had bare butts for about three months. We are giving them high protein grain and cooking eggs for them on occasion. I feel bad that they have bare skin in this weather. Ideas? It does look like the feathers are finally starting to grow back.
chickafila8

 

[FluffehChick]

can you post a picture? they are probably beginning to molt
if you dont know how to post a ppicture, press "upload a file'

 

[K3nzi3]

They could have been over preening themselves. Just keep an eye on them. If they seem fine, they probably are fine!

 

[FluffehChick]

x2!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

Bare butts isn't normal especially for a whole flock regardless of age. Doesn't sound like molting to me and if so definitely not typical.

You say high protein grain and cooked eggs. Is that "grain" a formulated chicken ration or just "high protein grain"? Did you know that eggs while a good source of nutrients like vitamins and minerals and other micro nutrients... is actually only about 12% protein and 30% fat?

Sound to me like it is either behavioral, nutritional, or parasitic (over preening would be a SYMPTOM). Have you checked for lice, mites, or bullies? Pictures definitely help.

 

[Welshies]

Bare butts aren't normal. I don't think this is molting.
I agree with EggSighted.
Are you feeding "grain" or an actual chicken feed? Scratch isn't proper food.
I suspect lack of protein or mites/lice.
Birds need 18-22% protein. Eggs only have about 10-12% of protein and grains are not a proper food for chickens. Sounds like you need a good quality feed and a serious diet change for your birds.
This also might be caused by boredom or overcrowding. How many birds do you have? How many roosters and how many hens? How big is your coop?