Birds losing feathers, not a molt. Why?

[Chickiemom1012]

My friend has a flock of about 20 birds. They are all losing their feathers on their necks at the tops of their wings and around their vent area. The birds are all alert and happy no other signs of illness. This not due to molting. Any clue why that would happen and any sort of treatment? Thanks for the help.

 

[Judy]

Typically the chickens are pulling and eating each others' feathers. The classic or usual causes are too little space / boredom, and too little protein in the diet. Perhaps this will help: In general, you agree not to post any material that is illegal,

It is also possible they have a bad enough case of lice/mites to cause it. These are all I can think of at the moment.