chicken health and diatomaceous earth

[Smith Hill Cottage]

From Berkshire County, MA
We use the "over wintering" method of adding fresh wood chips and hay in layers with a generous powdering of DE, clean out next boxes, and tidy around the edges. Question: Why would the rooster, a big Buff Brahma, have a bare neck? Over the last few weeks, more hens are showing feather loss on their backs, but this is not in itself alarming. Is it time for "blu coat?"
Thank you.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I don't think DE has anything to do with your feather loss. My guess is the hens are picking on the roo's neck (seems to be a popular spot for that to happen) and the roo is treading and breaking feathers on the hen's backs.

If you're thinking it's pests instead, I'd pick up the birds in question and do a very thorough check for mites, lice, ticks etc. by parting the feathers and checking around base of feathers and the skin.

 

[aart]

My guess is the hens are picking on the roo's neck (seems to be a popular spot for that to happen)

My cockbirds neck is bare in front, yesterday I watched a hen pick at the area, he just stood there and let her.<shrugs>

Neither DE or blukote will deter picking or pests.

IF you find bugs get some permethrin dust and/or spray.

My Bug Check notes:
Have you checked them over real well for mites and/or lice?

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).

Good post about mite ID by Lady McCamley:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-chicken-has-mites-now-what.1273674/page-2#post-20483008