Chickin Pickin

[eecoman]

One of my three hens is losing feathers on the front of her neck and on her tail. They have been together for almost a year with no issues but now I think the other hens are picking on her and pulling out her feathers. Why would their behavior change? I have not really observed them picking on her neck and tail but they do bully her when I am around. Would there be any other reason for these feathers to be coming out? The other birds are fine. I have smeared vaseline on the picked out areas hoping that would be discouraging to the pickers. Any other ideas to prevent chickin pickin?

Tim

 

[dawg53]

Welcome to BYC. It may not or may not be picking. If they are enclosed in a confined area, as in their house, it could be picking and need more space. It could be lice or mites, you need to visually do a close eye inspection of your hens especially around their vent area. If a hen is going broody, they will pluck feathers out of their breast area and line their nest. So, it's possible you could have a broody. One last thing, this is the time of the year that chickens usually go into moult, that also could be a reason to lose feathers. Take your pick (no pun intended lol.) Good luck.