Flock missing feathers around neck and vent area

[citychknraising]

Hi everybody, it's been a while since I've browsed this site but I'm in need of some suggestions.

I have 4 hens - 1 easter egger (2y old), 1 speckled sussex (2y old), 1 blue cochin (2y old), and 1 mutt (1y old). Their coop is 5x4 with 1 nesting box (I've tried another but they refuse to use it). Their run is 10x10 with another small coop in it (maybe 2x2) and a couple of perches.

The problem I'm running into is that 3 of my hens are missing feathers around their neck and vent area. The easter egger is the only one that has a full set of feathers but she just molted a few months ago. I'm wondering if they are picking at eachother, molting, or if it's something else? I don't ~think~ they're molting because generally I've seen them lose their tail when they molt and all of mine still have their tail feathers. I put DE in their dust bathing area but I'm not a big fan of DE so try to use it as sparingly as possible. They're on a 16% feed and I give them oyster shell in a separate bowl. The worst is the cochin, who has a completely bare chest and vent, and has been that way for months. Any ideas?? I feel so bad looking at my naked chickens!

I can post pictures tonight.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Which feathers a chicken molts is completely individual as far as I can tell. Pictures will help, so waiting for those...

Your birds are dual purpose breeds I personally would feed a flock raiser or grower with 18-20% protein and OS on the side. Especially since they are (will be) molting and such. Feathers are made of 90% protein and it's amino acids. So during molt a little more protein is very beneficial. They also don't lay eggs during molt... if you are getting eggs your birds aren't molting. That being said, when they aren't laying they don't need the excess calcium in Layer feed... part of the reason for my recommendation. Excess calcium fed to birds not in lay, long term... *can* (does NOT mean will) cause kidney issues including gout and failure.

DE is completely irrelevant in most cases and a false sense of security for chicken owners. I won't have the over rated stuff on my land... Guess I'm in the anti DE camp.

Providing link to support my stance. I have done a lot of research and don't consider the chicken chick an expert or end all authority. But the links are easy to find so I use them and you can look for more to refute my claims if piques your curiosity. Please pay special attention around the second picture in the first link...
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/poultry-lice-and-mites-identification/

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/diatomaceous-earth-de-benefitrisk/

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/raising-chickens-naturally-diatomaceous/

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/the-cut-dry-truth-about-diatomaceous/

So since you already aren't a fan... go ahead and get rid of that stuff.

Sounds like bullying... but lice are an issue for some in the winter. If it does end up being suspected parasites... I prefer permethrin spray (not dust).. its fast, easy, effective, safe, affordable, labeled for use in chickens, and no withdrawal for eggs.

It comes in other brands like Martins and Gordons, usually in the equine section at feed stores. A spritz under each wing, just below the vent and to the nape of the neck at the base of the head all with feathers parted so it hit's the skin. Under $8 this bottle lasted me more than 2 years with 80+ birds, 3 dogs, and 2 goats. Originally bought for mosquitoes but I discovered the so many uses it is labeled for.

Do you also feed treats? What type?