feathers being plucked away at lower back

[Bob the chicken]

Greetings to all
I joined several months ago never had the need to post. I have 14 girls that are 5 months old next week, and I just noticed today that three of the gals feathers are getting quit thin in the lower back and one is real bad. I did see one of the girls pecking at them. Is there a reason why? And what should I do? Thanks for your consideration and replys if forthcoming.
My name is Bob and I am chicken

 

[Preservation Acres]

Hi Bob,

The two most common reasons for feather plucking are a low protein diet and close confinement.

Actually, also, roosters can be pretty hard on hens. They'll lose lots of feathers that way.

 

[lotzahenz]

Hi, and welcome to BYC, or welcome to "posting". I just bought some hen saddles from a very nice lady on here and hope they will keep the feather loss to a minimum. I also seen (in upper ad bar) a site for saddles and they have really cool "predator eyes" on them to keep hawks away. I really want to try some of theose. I have a resident hawk, who I'd like to keep around, but not feasting on chickens. HenZ

 

[Yankee11]

I had the same problem. They were actually plucking the feathers and eating them.

I bought some Game Crumbles from TSC 24% protein and a bag of black oil sunflower seeds. I mix these together.I also treat with scrambled eggs about once or twice a week.

Mine have stopped and the feathers are growing back.

Taken about 2 weeks.

 

[newdock]

i had this problem when I had too many roosters. The ladies were seeing too much action.....