Help with hen plucking feathers - PHOTOS included

[simplegirl1970]

Hello,

I have been researching on this site for a couple of weeks, but can't figure out what's going on. We have 4 hens and one (named Golda) is having major issues with plucking. We don't know what to do to help her. Can you help us this from continuing? Here are some facts:

* At first we thought she was doing it herself, but now we see one of the hens being aggressive towards her.

* We do not have a rooster.

* Her vent and feathers below are also often dirty.

* Her backside is plucked clean to the skin on both sides (see 1st picture) as well as part of her breast area.

* Her back feathers are broken off in many places (see 2nd picture).

* We do not see signs of lice or mites.

* She used to sleep on the floor and not roost at night until about 2 weeks ago when rearranged the coop.

We love our 4 hens like pets! Please help us figure this out. Thank you so much!

 

[Marankindaguy]

it looks like she is starting to molt, all chickens do this so dont worry and she may just be dirty from taking dustbaths.

 

[simplegirl1970]

I don't know. This seems to be more than molting. Look at the broken feathers on her back. Also, her backside is red and tender is some spots. It would be hard to believe this is just molting.

 

[Red Dog Ranch]

I've got the same problem and haven't yet solved it either. At first I thought maybe lice or mites but I've dusted and dusted and still the same. Mine are on the top of the tail area on about a third of my flock. If anyone knows let me know. Thanks

 

[Marankindaguy]

im almost positive its that they are molting

 

[Smf0723]

Maybe you should seperate the hen from the other hen because it seems like they are not getting along. I know shes not molting because her feathers are broken and im pretty sure that when they molt their feathers dont come out in patches. She could be stressed or she could have feather lice which can be treated.

 

[chickenlover237]

i have two roo's who pluck my other chickens feathers they have to leave because they're not nice but they pluck the feathers and eat them!

 

[lukieseggs]

i got some new hens and i put them in with the others all are well but one hen was bleeding and had no feathers on the rump. i have taken her out and it has been a few days but she is still not healing very well what can i do to help her heal up better?

 

[Sylvestor12]

It just needs time. Since the feathers broke off new ones wil have to grow in. She sounds like she' at the bottom of the chicken chain. The hen that's bein aggressive towards her migth be pulling those feathers out. If you catch her in the act, make yourself look sort of intimidating (make yourself a little taller, puff out your chest a little) and chase the feather puller.

 

[FlyHigher]

try some vitamin B
It‘s probably due to a nutritional deficiency