Feather picking

[tinakevin]

Ok so I noticed that some of my hens were missing feathers. Mostly on the front of the neck and I have one barred rock that has no head feathers. She looks kind of funny. I should name her kojack lol. But any way. I was out with my flock tonight and I seen my glw picking the feathers of my girls. Is there any way to stop her from doing this.
I know they don't have lice or mites so I couldn't figur it out until tonight.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

What are you feeding them? Generally feather picking is from a protein deficiency, or it can also be from boredom if they are confined to a run.

 

[tinakevin]

I feed them an all flock pellet with oyster shell on the side. They free range. Matter of fact they were free ranging when she did it. they have a large coop and run plus 5 acres to roam. Although they do stay close in the yard.

 

[tinakevin]

Could she just be bullying

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That would be my next thought. I have read Wyandotte can be bullies though I haven't experienced it. I do have some bottom hens that get plucked because they are on the bottom. Is the Wyandotte a younger bird?

 

[tinakevin]

she's the same age as the barnvelders and a year younger than the br. They seem to be the only ones

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I guess if she continues it you may need to separate her out, either temporarily to break the habit, and disrupt her place in the flock or remove her permanently if it continues or worsens. I would keep her out of the flock but within site for at least 2 weeks, and maybe even longer like 4-6 weeks to see if I could break the habit.

 

[tinakevin]

I will try that thank u