Help...3.5 month hen with pecked back end (photo)

[bay area chix]

HI,

I am new to hens. I noticed today that one of our 3.5 month old hens is missing quite a few feathers on her back and the skin is covered wit light colored scabs. Either new feathers are coming in or they've been plucked out, not sure which. Also, not sure how long this has been going on. She seems fine, is eating well, they have enough food and water, there is not much visible blood except for a small drop near the base of a feather. I looked at the rest of her skin for lice or mites. I am not sure if I'd know them if I saw them, but she doesn't appear to have any. Not sure if she might be pecking herself or if the others are. I haven't seen any action, just the result. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[arlee453]

Looks like someone is pecking her feathers. I have a bunch of 12 week old ameraucanas I hatched out and they are the peckingist bunch of chicks I've ever had. 1/2 of them had similar look, and 2 got pecked bloody and had to be seperated.

It seems to have calmed down since I've put them out with the older and larger chickens....hopefully now they can grow enough tail feathers to figure out who is staying and laying, and who is going to donate chicken nuggets to our table.

 

[keljonma]

Quote:
You could put some tea tree oil on the area. It will help clear it up and might stop the pecking.