Easter Egger Bald Patch!?

[Henhouse Harlot]

Help!
My poor Go-Go Noodlehead (Easter Egger), she's been looking this way for awhile. Now her sister Helen (also an Easter Egger), is starting to show similar feather loss. I thought it might be from one of the lead ladies bullying them, but I'm not sure.. There is a hen lower than Helen, and that is Miss Plum. However she doesn't show these same symptoms. So maybe not bullying.
Does this look familiar to anyone? Is there anything I can do? Thank you

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Do you have a rooster? That is typical treading pattern by a rooster.

Otherwise, it appears to be pecking. Be sure you have good quality feed for them so they get enough protein to prevent feather picking, and lots of room. If they have a boring run, some boredom busters (hanging treat stations) can help.

I'd also give them a close look to make sure they don't have lice or mites.

But that certainly looks like pecking (or treading) damage.

LofMc

 

[Henhouse Harlot]

Thank you! I do have a rooster, strange. Neither of those two are his favorite, and he is usually a complete gentleman. There have been some sightings of the neighbors rooster(s) among my flock, but I don't think they are breeding my hens... don't...think...(goes outside to do some serious chicken watching)

 

[Henhouse Harlot]

I love the hanging treat idea! Thank you

 

[Poultrybonkers]

Over mating is what that is

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Thank you! I do have a rooster, strange. Neither of those two are his favorite, and he is usually a complete gentleman. There have been some sightings of the neighbors rooster(s) among my flock, but I don't think they are breeding my hens... don't...think...(goes outside to do some serious chicken watching)

LOL. If the neighbor's rooster has been in your flock, he HAS been making time with the hens.

I once put a hen into a pen with a rooster hoping to leave her there at least a week to make sure she would be fertile. I didn't even get the gate closed before the deed was done and they were both shaking off with a gleam in their eye.

So if a rooster is in the area, it only takes a second.

LofMc

 

[Henhouse Harlot]

The little buggers!!!! They ARE mounting hens. I just watched it happen outside my front door!

 

[Lady of McCamley]

TOLD you.

Send the scoundrels back to their yard, and tell the owner.

And...there's the answer to the bald patches.

LofMc

 

[Henhouse Harlot]

Thank you!!!

 

[Henhouse Harlot]

And they seemed like such "nice boys"!