Do I have a mite problem or feather pecking hens?????

[cherpycherpycheepcheep]

I am new to hen keeping, but I've had my chucks for about a year, I raised them from an incubator. However now I have noticed that they have patches, with feathers missing where their wings joins the body. Over a couple of weeks the area looks worse and you can see the pink skin. I have 6 chucks, 3 Light Sussex and 3 Bantams. The problem only appears to be with the Sussex. Is this a mite problem or I've read that chickens can peck each other and themselves. Any advice PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

I know if they are crowded they will peck at each other and pull feathers out. If you have mites you will be able to see them on the vent area very well. Pick them up and look at the vent area close up (not too close though

) And watch for crawly something or other. There are several different types of mites/lice etc so check base of feathers as well and look for powdery substance at feather base as well. At night you will see some mites crawling on the feathers.

I used frontline spray to kill any type of insect. Works wonderful!