I've been breeding silkies for 14 years and have never seen this kind of feather canabilization .
Usually when flock members are picking on someone the feather picking would be more random.
Well that's strange. Mine always pick on the weakest link of the opposite breed. But i would love to have a couple of silkies. Our local stores; Tractor Supply, Callahans, etc... does not sell them.
I am happy to report Claire once removed from her tormenters has made a great recovery.
Her chest feathers are all back in and she is well on her way to getting her crown back.
Her two coop mates have been great to her and we have a little puffball flock that free
ranges the yard all day and head back to the coop on their own each nite.
Happy Campers
As for the mean RIR they are still at the feather eating (cotton has a bare chest
and the two light brahma's have naked backsides). Too bad the RIR are such
great layers or I be rid of them
I
I am happy to report Claire once removed from her tormenters has made a great recovery.
Her chest feathers are all back in and she is well on her way to getting her crown back.
Her two coop mates have been great to her and we have a little puffball flock that free
ranges the yard all day and head back to the coop on their own each nite.
Happy Campers
As for the mean RIR they are still at the feather eating (cotton has a bare chest
and the two light brahma's have naked backsides). Too bad the RIR are such
great layers or I be rid of them
I
Clair looks great! I'm glad she has a couple of fluffy buddies and is doing well
Are your RIR actually eating the feathers? If so, then you may want to try feeding a higher protein feed like an all flock/flock raiser formula (18-20% protein) to see if that helps. Feather eating can be a protein deficiency that has become a very bad habit. Offer oyster shell free choice along with the higher protein food for your egg layers.
Just a thought.
I 
