Hens have missing and broken feathers on their backs by tail

[stoma]

Hello, I have three hens (that are isolated from the other hens because we acquired them at a different time) have broken and missing feathers on their back, closest to their tails - see pictures. We treated them for lice, ticks, etc., but that didn't help. We don't have a rooster, and I've never seen them peck at each other. Please help

 

[dawg53]

I'm guessing your 3 hens came to you with the feathers missing off their backs. It's possible the previous owner had a rooster treading them causing feather loss. Otherwise I'd suspect feather picker(s) in the previous owners flock.You can purchase gamebird feed which is higher in protein content than layer feed. Try the gamebird feed for a month, it'll help with feather regrowth. Then wean them off the gamebird feed back to layer feed.

 

[stoma]

Thank you for your reply. Yes, when we got them, they had no tails at all, but had feathers on their backs. The tail feathers grew back (we've had them for about 8 weeks now), but now they lost their back feather (as shown). We are concerns about mites, ticks and other blood suckers. We will try the high protein diet and maybe some cat food as well.

 

[dawg53]

Thank you for your reply. Yes, when we got them, they had no tails at all, but had feathers on their backs. The tail feathers grew back (we've had them for about 8 weeks now), but now they lost their back feather (as shown). We are concerns about mites, ticks and other blood suckers. We will try the high protein diet and maybe some cat food as well.

Perhaps it's molt, or you have 3 feather pickers. In any case, I still recommend the gamebird feed. Even though cat food is high in protein and alot of folks use it, I dont recommend cat food anymore due to its high sodium content. We know what high sodium foods do to humans, same with chickens. Make sure they have enough space in their living quarters and pen to prevent overcrowding. Try hanging a head of lettuce in their pen to alleviate boredom. A mirror will distract them as well. Observe them closely, if in fact they're feather pickers and the gamebird feed doesnt stop them from picking, I recommend that you cull them.