Hens picking out each other's feathers

[eam]

Hi,

I'm about to acquire 8 hens, just about a year old, whose owner says the girls are 'plucking' each other. I don't know alot about the situation - e.g. what their diet is, what the coop / ranging setup is.

I realize if their diet is off, it might cause unhealthy behaviors, or if they don't have enough space they might start picking at each other. There is no rooster involved.

Our girls only look ragged typcally for two reasons: molting and the roosters' favorite girls.

What other causes might there be?

Thanks for all your help!
Elizabeth

 

[SpottedCrow]

Being cooped up all day can cause stress which can cause picking.
If they're eating the feathers too, then there's a deficiency too...