Feather eating

[Halfhomesteader]

Several of my hens have missing butt feathers. I have ruled out mites or parasites, and we do not have any roosters. They are not aggressive with eachother, that I observe. However, they do all tend to lay eggs in the same place, have 12 hens laying and they are only 2 boxes that have eggs. Could this missing feathers be from over crowding in the nesting boxes?

 

[BobStuart]

A few photos could help. Attach files button in case you don’t know.

 

[janiedoe]

If there is a bully eating butt feathers, they most likely are doing it while roosting. Can you place a camera in the coop at night? If not, note where everyone is on the roosts and check butts to see who is freshly plucked in the mornings for a few days. Most of my own hens tend to roost in the same spot but a few move around.

 

[Kenneth Zweerink]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens. The Best of Luck with your Flock. And a Big Hello from Eastern Nebraska!

 

[tlcmurphy]

I had a feather plucker/eater and it was very obvious. Low girl in the pecking order had a naked ass and the bully BO was walking around with brown feathers hanging out of her beak
It’s generally a sign of boredom and/or a need for more protein. I fixed both and it stopped (BO is still a bully though).

 

[Nomadicus]

Hello and Welcome to BYC. Glad to have you in this poultry lovers community.

 

[Halfhomesteader]

I will try to get some photos. I have upped their protein already, and got Blukote to help protect them. Some are slowly getting feathers back, but just feel bad for them.

 

[janiedoe]

I will try to get some photos. I have upped their protein already, and got Blukote to help protect them. Some are slowly getting feathers back, but just feel bad for them.

How much room do they have? Are you having bad weather right now?

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Pictures of your setup would also be good to provide.

 

[Debbie292d]

Hiya, and welcome to BYC!!