Chicken with missing neck and bum feathers

[ToriMarsh0390]

Hey all,

I got this lavender Orpington in December 2023, she’s around 1.5-2 years old and laying great.

When I got her, they said she moulted and never grew feathers back. I did watch another chicken peck at her neck but I got no peck spray and that stopped.

I’ve tried Epsom salt baths, I also crochet her a scarf that kept the area safe from pecking and the cold through the winter. But without knowing exactly what was going on, I didn’t treat with any ointments.

Can anyone take any guesses as to what in the world is causing this?

It is not deplummimg mites, or lice.

I add ACV to their water too.

She doesn’t bother with the bum or neck area, never scratches or bites.

I sprinkle DE and use bronco spray when cleaning out the coop or replacing straw.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I did watch another chicken peck at her neck

I got this lavender Orpington in December 2023, she’s around 1.5-2 years old and laying great.

The feathers have been plucked and/or worn off...
I see some intact feather shafts, especially on the vent area.

These feathers will not be replaced until she molts, likely in late fall.

Skin looks healthy and in good condition, she looks good too.

I wouldn't do anything unless you notice the patches getting larger and another hen has started to pluck her more.

 

[CloneFly]

Hey all,

I got this lavender Orpington in December 2023, she’s around 1.5-2 years old and laying great.

When I got her, they said she moulted and never grew feathers back. I did watch another chicken peck at her neck but I got no peck spray and that stopped.

I’ve tried Epsom salt baths, I also crochet her a scarf that kept the area safe from pecking and the cold through the winter. But without knowing exactly what was going on, I didn’t treat with any ointments.

Can anyone take any guesses as to what in the world is causing this?

It is not deplummimg mites, or lice.

I add ACV to their water too.

She doesn’t bother with the bum or neck area, never scratches or bites.

I sprinkle DE and use bronco spray when cleaning out the coop or replacing straw.

I agree with Wyorp Rock. I had two Jersey Giants that were bare bottomed, had the rattiest neck feathers and were practically bald for a year due to pecking. I sewed a chicken saddle, and that seemed to help stop the bullying a bit, but it took nearly a year for their feathers to come back. If her bottom continues to stay bare even after her next molt, there may be an underlying health issue