Homesteadermomma6382
Songster
Several weeks ago I had a hen that had pulled out feathers on her chest. I figured she was getting broody. She hasn't gone broody as of yet. This morning I noticed I have a rooster with a one inch bald area on his chest. Then tonight as I watched my chickens roost I noticed another hen with a bare chest. I have 15 birds in the same large half acre yard. They roost in a very large pine tree. They have a coop. They just wont use it unless it's pouring rain or freezing. All of them are eating and drinking normally. I recently switched from layer pellets to grower with free choice oyster shell as I have birds that dont lay. Everyone that does lay is laying per their norm. I have noticed some of the higher up hens have pecked the heads of the lowers when they get in the nesting boxes out of turn. But I havent seen anyone peckng at chests. I do have 2 roosters so the one rooster may have scrappled with the other. I ordered pinless peepers for some of the nastier hens and the roosters in hopes of decreasing pecking amd breeding. Some of my girls are looking pretty ragged. Some just refuse to wear the aprons regardless of what they are made of. Chickens can be very inventive when they want to be. Could it be mites? Ive never had an issue with them before. No poopy butts. No lethargy. Just bare chests.
