Feathers plucked on hen?

[AlaskaBookworm]

My hen has some feather taken out on her back, is it mating or molting? If it’s from mating, is that a problem or is it ok?

 

[azygous]

Look at the bare area. If there are uniform pin feathers emerging, it's molt. It the skin is plucked bald and some feather shafts are broken, then it's mating or feather picking.

Mating damage to hens is common. What you decide to do about it is strictly up to you.

 

[aart]

I see a couple pin feathers are growing back.
How old is this bird?

 

[AlaskaBookworm]

I see a couple pin feathers are growing back.
How old is this bird?

Not entirely sure but 6-8ish months, the flock JUST started laying

 

[aart]

Usually mating wear is closer to tail, not quite sure from your pick but it looks like middle of the back.
Too young for back molting, some pullets will molt around neck first winter.
Is it possible that she got grabbed by a predator?
Do you have more than one cockerel?
Is crowding a possible issue?
I've had a few bare backed birds, I wouldn't worry about it unless you see wounds.
Might not grow back until she molts next fall.

 

[AlaskaBookworm]

Usually mating wear is closer to tail, not quite sure from your pick but it looks like middle of the back.
Too young for back molting, some pullets will molt around neck first winter.
Is it possible that she got grabbed by a predator?
Do you have more than one cockerel?
Is crowding a possible issue?
I've had a few bare backed birds, I wouldn't worry about it unless you see wounds.
Might not grow back until she molts next fall.

We do have two small bantam roosters and a big australorp roo. We’re getting rid of the trouble one, and now that I think about it it’s possible he’s been trying to mate and just pulls out feathers (he’s super small). I’ll keep an eye on it and see if it continues, thanks.

 

[aart]

We do have two small bantam roosters and a big australorp roo. We’re getting rid of the trouble one, and now that I think about it it’s possible he’s been trying to mate and just pulls out feathers (he’s super small). I’ll keep an eye on it and see if it continues, thanks.

Multiple males can bring out the worst of all their behaviors.
Any other females have missing feathers?
Is she the 'low' bird?
Some birds just have weak/brittle feathers, so are easily damaged by treading.