Feather picking or just a dysfunctional friendship?

[SoProlix]

I have on three occasions now seen one particular hen (Lise) pulling out and eating the neck feathers of another (Ivanova). I haven't noticed Lise picking at any of the other hens. They free range on 10 acres and have been outside when I've seen this. Ivanova could just walk away, but she almost seems to enjoy it. They are both pretty high in the pecking order, I'd think Ivanova is actually higher than Lise. She roosts higher at least. I feed a 20% protein feed. Should I be worried about this?

Thanks!

 

[Chquinta]

I have notice the same thing with my red sex link and my 24 week buff and welsummer she will chase them peck the feathers off and then eat them. I have no clue why she does this?

 

[SoProlix]

I have notice the same thing with my red sex link and my 24 week buff and welsummer she will chase them peck the feathers off and then eat them. I have no clue why she does this?

My understanding is it's usually a dietary deficiency of some kind, most likely protein since feathers are mostly protein. Or just bad behavior. In my case, I just think it's really weird that only one hen is picking and only picking on one other hen and she seems to like it.

 

[Chquinta]

Well in my case I have 2 reds and only one of them eats the feathers the other just pecks for order and the buff's and welsummer don't like it they are scared of the adult birds they will run away from them if doesn't matter which chicken they get ahold of but if she gets them and feathers are pulled then she will eat it and run around like she found a treat.