Feather plucking

[RoosterFredsmom]

I read the forum for feather plucking and I didn't see any recommendations I can use from my group. I have 3 polish bantams. Two of them hang together, the third does her own thing. The two will roost together and plucking the feathers out of each other's head. Tonight, they were tucked in between a couple others and the bigger chickens were plucking their feather too! But not the 3rd one. I have used DE incase it was mites or lice, I have used bitter apple on their feathers as a deterrent. I cannot seem to make them stop. They only do it when they are all roosting and settling in for the night. Well, except the little bald ladies, they pluck at each other during the day! Do I just let them be bald?

 

[STACEYH]

Feather plucking could be a sign of not enough protein in their diet. Do all flock with oyster shells on the side. If they don't stop separate them.

 

[JedJackson]

You could try a light spray of hot pick on their crests, being very careful not to get it in their eyes. In fact it might be better to apply it with a cloth.