Hens Back Feathers Gone - PICS -

[JohnHenry]

The back on one of my 5 hens is looking real bad. Her feathers are falling out and she has red sores. I don't have any roosters and she has had sparse feathers ever since I got her in February. She also doesn't seem terrible sick or lethargic.

Any ideas?

 

[kuntrygirl]

Have you checked her for lice or mites? When was the last time you dusted them?

 

[JohnHenry]

I didnt see any critters like lice or mites but the are some darker spots on the skin that I thought might be a bug. I have never dusted any of my hens, I was worried about dusting her with an open wound.

Thanks for responding with advice.

 

[kuntrygirl]

She also could be molting. How old is your hen?

You also may have some feather picking going on. Your hens may be picking her feathers.

 

[JohnHenry]

I thought a molt as well but she has been that way since Feb and they each lay and egg almost every day. I havent seen them pecking at her back, when the top lady gets mad she pecks them on the head. I was wondering if it was a disese.