Hens missing feathers around neck and back, both areas really red

[reaganreynolds]

A couple of my hens are looking really sickly. I thought they were just molting but its been a couple months now. They are missing feathers around their neck and back near the base of there tail feathers. And the skin is really red and irritated looking. They seem happy and egg production is still good, they just look awful. Could it be mites, lice or something else? Only 3 of my 6 really seem to be affected. They get a lot of time outside their coop in the yard, so would be surprised if it was pecking.

any help would be much appreciated.

 

[cackydoodledoo]

It could be mites or lice but I would think it would be all over. My first thought was a rooster! Do you have one? If so and he is riding them they will be missing some back feathers and possibly neck feathers. My rooster likes to grab the hens by the neck when he gets them down.

 

[reaganreynolds]

No, we dont have any roosters. If its mites or lice, what's considered to be the best remedy?

Here's a link to a couple pictures

 

[nuttyredhead]

It could be mites, try lifting there wings and see if you can see things moving. Also check the vent area. If there are mites, you can use Ivermectin, and dust with either Sevins Dust or DE. I would change out their bedding also. Dust the coop with the powder also.

Good Luck, I just had to do this also.

Editing to add the link for my post earlier on Ivermectin.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=484984