Flaky skin and bald patches on chickens! Help!

[RoostyJames]

I noticed some of my chickens have big bald spots mainly by their vent but some on their backs as well. Some of the feathers look like they’ve been cut in half. I checked their butt feathers for mites and lice but didn’t see anything except for flaky skin. So I checked their back and it looks like a bunch of sand all over their skin and when I touch it I just flakes off!

 

[BantyChooks]

I suspect that bird may have just taken a dirt bath, and it isn’t uncommon for me to see sand under my birds’ feathers. That by itself isn’t cause for concern. As for the missing feathers, it could be feather picking or overbreeding if you have a rooster. Have you spent some time watching your flock recently? It may help to figure out if one or several of your birds is picking at feathers of others. Other causes may be poor nutrition leading to ragged, broken feathering. Photos of the missing feathers may help too.

Best of luck.

 

[RoostyJames]

I suspect that bird may have just taken a dirt bath, and it isn’t uncommon for me to see sand under my birds’ feathers. That by itself isn’t cause for concern. As for the missing feathers, it could be feather picking or overbreeding if you have a rooster. Have you spent some time watching your flock recently? It may help to figure out if one or several of your birds is picking at feathers of others. Other causes may be poor nutrition leading to ragged, broken feathering. Photos of the missing feathers may help too.

Best of luck.

Ok, yes I do have a rooster and I have noticed two of the other hens pecking at the rooster and the others. I forgot to mention earlier that they are around 9-10 months old. I heard that chickens molt at that age so not sure if that’s a part of it.

 

[Tab P]

Following. Sorry I can't be of any help