Feathers Missing from Hens' Backs, Getting Worse

[Lokibinian]

Hello, everyone!
I have fourteen standard hens, all assorted breeds. A couple weeks ago, I noticed their feathers in the bottom area of the back were plucked out, and the pink flesh was showing. I assumed my rooster was the problem, and removed him immediately, even though fourteen hens for one rooster was more than enough.

Weeks passed, and the feathers are not showing great progress of coming back. I dusted each with Diatomaceous Earth, and put some homemade balm on the areas, but the balm made more chickens peck at the bald spots, worsening the condition. I stopped with the balm but still put some DE on them. No progress at all. In fact, it kind of seems like they're getting worse! The bald area seems to be growing slowly, and my rooster is getting really grumpy, eheh.

Does anyone know what kind of issue this is? Thanks in advance.

 

[Broodygranny]

I have heard that if they don't get enough protein, they may pick at one anothers feathers. Also, they can pull their own feathers out if they have mites.

 

[Lokibinian]

Thanks for the reply.
I give them lots of scrambled eggs whenever I can, so I don't know about the protein.
How do you know if they have mites, and how do you get rid of them?

 

[fur-mum]

What percent protein is their food? Have you increased their protein intake since the feathers came out? That helps with feather regrowth.

 

[Lokibinian]

I give them mealworms and scrambled eggs to help with the feathers, but I'm not exactly sure the percent in their food. I'll check tomorrow, but I know it's layer feed!

 

[micstrachan]

How much space do they have in the coop? What is their daytime situation? Are they in a run or free ranging? If thy are in a run, how big is it? If thy are crowded or bored, that can also lead to pecking behavior. You might try hanging a head of cabbage for them to peck at. My flock can stay busy ALL DAY if I pour a huge bag of rice hulls inbit. They will scratch in it for hours. Are there any other boredom busters you have available to help them out?

 

[Lokibinian]

Ooh, that sounds great! They might be bored, yeah. I'll try out the rice and cabbage idea!

For now, I have stumps and things for them to climb on, and I bring them weeds and grass daily to help them out.