Feather loss

[Mikesflock]

One of my olive eggers has lost many feathers , and also has diarrhea. The stems are there but not the feather, and the loss is in patches on the wings and butt. Any idea what causes this .?

 

[Eggcessive]

How old? Is she molting? It may be feather picking which can lead to cannibalism. It can be caused by over crowding and boredom, not getting out to free range. Feeding a 16 or 20% protein balanced chicken feed is a must, and limit any scraps or extras. Scrambled egg bits, tuna, or increasing protein to 20% all flock may help regrow feathers. Watch behavior to see if one or mire birds are picking her feathers. Separate the feather picker. Pinless peepers may help on the bully if nothing else helps. When there is feather loss, it may take until the next yearly molt for feathers to grow back.

 

[Kiki]

What do you feed your flock?
How many roosters do you have?

 

[Mikesflock]

How old? Is she molting? It may be feather picking which can lead to cannibalism. It can be caused by over crowding and boredom, not getting out to free range. Feeding a 16 or 20% protein balanced chicken feed is a must, and limit any scraps or extras. Scrambled egg bits, tuna, or increasing protein to 20% all flock may help regrow feathers. Watch behavior to see if one or mire birds are picking her feathers. Separate the feather picker. Pinless peepers may help on the bully if nothing else helps. When there is feather loss, it may take until the next yearly molt for feathers to grow back.

Ok thank you very much. I don't see her picking at the feathers. She might be molting , not sure. She does free range.Haven't seen the the other chickens pick at her. She is 3 years old. Her sister does not have have this issue and they sit next to each other on the perches. It is the only one who has this. I will take your advice on feed. I was worried it might be lice or a bug , but probably not?

 

[Mikesflock]

What do you feed your flock?
How many roosters do you have?

I feed them Nutrena pellets and supplement with a meal worm seed mix and also a Nutrena grain mix. They also free range and eat on the organic lawn. No roosters.

 

[Eggcessive]

It could be her sister on the perch picking at her feathers. Many times the picker will have perfect feathers. Spend some time during the day and in the evening with her and watch. I have seen a few of mine doing this on the roost in the evenings. Look her over for any lice or mites if you haven’t already. Give her extra protein daily, such as a treat of egg or tuna, salmon or ground meat just before roost time. If needed, she may need to be separated inside a dog crate with food and water, but left near the others. Here is a good article to read about getting a bullied chicken to regain confidence:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/chicken-bully-chicken-victim-a-two-sided-issue.73923/