Feather question

[o2bwest]

Several of my barred rock hens have lost the feathers at the head of there tails. Why is this? Are they pecking each other? Also my rooster has lost his tail feathers.

 

[Ailurophyle]

I have three hens, just started laying, two of which are red stars. One of the red stars has a bald patch on her back just before her tail, and I've witnessed the other red star picking at her and pulling feathers. I'm still cruising the board for more guidance, but based on what I've read so far you may need to sit down and watch them for a while to see if any of the flockmates are picking at your bald chickens, and if so quarantine the aggressor(s) for several days and see if the situation improves.

 

[Mahonri]

You may need to remove the feather pickers altogether... it's almost impossible to break them of the habit... also, Give them more protein. Fish is always good.