Feather loss NOT molting

[Kelseylouuu]

So here’s the dilemma: I have 17, 9 month old hens, a variety of breeds. They have ample coop and run space. There are about 7 that are being pecked on both sides or their vents, ones getting it on her saddle and the newest is a couple up on their heads. I have treated for lice and mites (even though there is no evidence of them). They have roosts, swings, a ladder, flock blocks, and I throw scratch and cat food everyday. They are fed Dumor crumble but I will be switching to Poulin. I can’t free range them due to my location. I’m afraid this is all from boredom or finding their place in the pecking order. They look so awful, red and raw. I’m using vetericyn prn. Everyday my boyfriend mentions another ones looking worse and worse. It’s really stressing me out. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

 

[getaclue]

Observe them. See who your bully, or bullies are. You may need to separate the bullies for a few days, in a cage in the coop, so they can see the others, and the others can see them, but they can't bully anyone. See how that impacts the peace. When you reintroduce the bullies, one and the little bit of fighting for pecking order is done, things should settle down.

 

[chickens really]

Stop the cat food...

 

[rosemarythyme]

They have ample coop and run space.

Do you have specific numbers? Photos of the set up will also help so we can take a look at the layout, since you mention having some clutter in there, but maybe it can be arranged better or added to.

 

[getaclue]

Pictures of your set up, and close up ones of the ones suffering feather loss would be helpful.

 

[mosander]

A couple of my chickens have a lot of long white things clinging to the neck feathers where they cannot preen. Currently one chicken is isolated due to respiratory issues. Just on a whim, I smeared Vicks Vapor Rub on her neck feathers partly to help her breathing. The white things disappeared overnight! This of course is an anecdote and may not work twice but it is cheap enough to try.

 

[getaclue]

Again, post pictures. The white things may be the protein coating from new feather growth, which is perfectly normal. PICTURES, please.