help! My 8 month old rooster is missing feathers....

[JennIY23]

I have 5 hens and 1 rooster that are all about 8 months in age. They all seem to be healthy, happy, and active. Yesterday I noticed my roo missing feathers around his neck line. Today, I was able to get up close and it seemed worse. It was vey red, but no blood or bruising that I could see. There were white things coming out of his neck where feathers would grow (I'm a newbie so don't know the technical lingo). I don't see signs of mites and the girls aren't having this issue. I am concerned the girls may be pulling his feathers out (although I'm not finding tons of feathers). Also, he doesn't seem to be missing feathers anywhere else. Below is a picture. I will try to get better ones when my wife comes home and can help me pick him up.

 

[Rowsdower]

He looks like he may be going through a molt. The redness is normal. Whenever chicken skin is exposed to the elements it turns red.

 

[JennIY23]

Just brought my wife out but he really didn't want to be held today so couldn't get a better picture. She thinks he may just be molting. While we were standing there, he shook and tiny white feathers flew out. Ill just keep an eye on him.