Chickens losing bottom feathers

[Rancher by day]

Feathers generally won't grow back until the fall molt.

True, feathers don't grow out until they molt. I've seen the bullying occur when the hen eats like a pig, crowding out the others. They all picked on her. Try removing her from the coop she might be as happy as my Buff Orpington who followed me around. She didn't eat like a pig any more & would sit & supervise the others. She would let me put her with the others for the night, back out by the day. She was given food & water outside the coop. I have another hen from another generation that "yum yum" while she's eating. The others didn't like her energy at the food bowl but she has calmed down. So no pecking at this one. Good luck with yours.

 

[MichelleV6]

I just came across this article as the image looks like my entire flock (16 hens and one rooster). We do not see mites/lice on any of the birds. We free range during the daytime, but about six weeks ago we had to put them in their run for a few weeks as had hawks and eagles flying around (we lost one then). Their run is large enough to handle the numbers so space and dirt baths are not issue. Water is changed daily (5 gallon bucket full) and they eat layer pellets and egg production has not waned at all (12-16 per day). They are back to free ranging as again have leaves on trees and places to hide. My bare bottomed hens are otherwise okay. Should I be worried about anything else or just wait for the feathers to return after the molt?

 

[mbbrewer87]

Has anyone found a resolution to this issue. I have a couple hens dealing with this and nothing I do helps. Treated for live/mites, high protein food, soaked in epsom salt, used a skin healer/protector, applied a purple no peck lotion. Nothing seems to help.

 

[Eggcessive]

Has anyone found a resolution to this issue. I have a couple hens dealing with this and nothing I do helps. Treated for live/mites, high protein food, soaked in epsom salt, used a skin healer/protector, applied a purple no peck lotion. Nothing seems to help.

Welcome to BYC. How old are your birds? As said in the article, when feathers are worn or pulled out by the others, new feathers may not grow back until the next major molt. Can you start a new thread of your own here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures.10/post-thread
and post pictures and give a description of the problem?