Chickens losing feathers, no clue what’s wrong!

[Rachel Bokish]

So here is my story, we just bought a house with over an acre of property. We were informed that there were chickens the owners planned on leaving and this was a condition of the sale (she loved her chickens but moved out of country and couldn’t take them). Now I know nothing about chickens except what I’ve been reading on Pinterest. They actually scare me but, I am very excited and think this is going to be a great opportunity.
Now that my background is explained a little, during the closing time period two of the hens passed away. We have had possession and the hens for three days. We don’t know breeds or how old they are! Today is the first day I have cared for them. I noticed a few of them looking very rough. I’m thinking it’s mites? But I have no clue!!! Any advice or help would be appreciated! the second picture if you zoom in you can see her neck has no feathers and she is developing a bald spot on the top of her wing. Clearly the first picture that hen has a big bald spot!

 

[Perris]

hello @Rachel Bokish - welcome to BYC

The bald spot on the back and top of wings is perfectly normal - that's caused by a rooster's claws or spurs when mating that hen. Other bald spots around or on the head are caused by him trying to hold on with his beak. If you haven't witnessed it yet, chicken mating can be quite a rough affair, depending on how agile and well balanced the roo is and how much or little the hen wants to be mated by him. But basically he has to try to stand on her back and bend his rear down while she has to support him and bend her rear up.

Did the previous owner leave some advice for you about how to look after them?

 

[BGcoop]

They have beards so I’m guessing they are Easter Eggers.

 

[Rachel Bokish]

hello @Rachel Bokish - welcome to BYC

The bald spot on the back and top of wings is perfectly normal - that's caused by a rooster's claws or spurs when mating that hen. Other bald spots around or on the head are caused by him trying to hold on with his beak. If you haven't witnessed it yet, chicken mating can be quite a rough affair, depending on how agile and well balanced the roo is and how much or little the hen wants to be mated by him. But basically he has to try to stand on her back and bend his rear down while she has to support him and bend her rear up.

Did the previous owner leave some advice for you about how to look after them?

Oh good! Sad but I’m glad they don’t look sick! Thank you for your help!
We were given (I feel) very little advice. She basically told us about how they enter the house at sundown and to lock it up. She informed us every morning they like bread and that one hen is aggressive and another likes to sit (broody?). That’s really all we were told. We weren’t even informed there was a rooster until we heard him and Watched him attempt to mate.

 

[Perris]

well, you've come to the right place for all the advice you might need! The Learning Centre is full of excellent articles on every aspect of chicken keeping. Have a look: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/categories/learning-center.11/
and whenever you get stuck, just post your query on one of the fora, whichever seems most appropriate to your issue, https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/
Usually you'll get several answers in a few hours.
Enjoy