Hens Attacking each other? Self Mutilation? Help Please

SeaAggieShelby15

Chirping
Oct 24, 2017
85
88
86
Galveston County, TX
Two of my Delawares have been loosing tons of feathers and now one is either plucking her own feathers out of the other hens are attacking her. Usually my three Delawares are the top of the pecking order. Photos help. Need advice. Pictures are of two different hens.

Thank you,
Shelby
 

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Looks like it's molting. Did you run lights all winter?

No, we did not. They had one of tiny bulbs for home night lights in their coup but otherwise, it was dark. They one missing feathers from her skin is literally picking them out herself. I did some vitamins and electrolytes in their water but we feed them all organic feeds, cut up lettuce, squash, watermelon etc. So were just worried. Tonight we checked them both for lice and we didn' t see any and also checked their vents. Just lost.. Also I do not know what hens look or act like while molting.
 
No, we did not. They had one of tiny bulbs for home night lights in their coup but otherwise, it was dark. They one missing feathers from her skin is literally picking them out herself. I did some vitamins and electrolytes in their water but we feed them all organic feeds, cut up lettuce, squash, watermelon etc. So were just worried. Tonight we checked them both for lice and we didn' t see any and also checked their vents. Just lost.. Also I do not know what hens look or act like while molting.
How old are they? Did they molt last fall? Chickens will groom more when molting and it will appear as if they are plucking but loose feathers are falling out. Have you observed it actively tugging on the feathers to remove them? It takes some force to remove a feather not ready to come out.

A small nightlight may be enough to mess them up. Did you recently stop using it or is it still running?
 

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