Hackle feathers broken off....why?

[momofthree]

I noticed on my second in command teenage roo the last few days that his hackle feathers are broken off . Is this from a disease or are they getting picked off by other chickens? i don't see anything wrong with any of my hens, but there are a few hackle feathers like this on my main roo too, but no where near as severe as this guys. here are some pics:

 

[RhodeIslandRedFan]

How old is your roo? Could these be new feathers just growing in? See the picture in this link, although these are new feathers growing in after a molt. Do they look similar?
http://happyhens.blogspot.com/2005/11/and-now-molting.html

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

Looks like he's molting. Wouldn't be surprised, I have a few boys doing the same thing right now.

 

[momofthree]

Yes, i guess it could be molting, but i thought they had to be a year of age at least? This weekend he will be 22 weeks old

But, yes, it looks like that picture.

i did experience feather picking at the beginning of summer, but it was a bloody mess....there is no blood or sore spots, so for that i am thankful

I will be hopeful this is what is going on