Hens pulling out own feathers

[EmpireChicks]

My 8 month old layers have been pulling out their own feathers from their backs (around the tail) and from their back sides. This has been going on for about 4 weeks and they are beginning to look pretty rough. It started around the time the snow melted, so I moved them from their cushy indoor winter digs (not access to the outdoors) to their warm weather coop which is smaller but with a large outdoor run. THe change in venue doesn't appear to have helped with the feather pulling. They have a good diet, although with less vegetable scraps in the winter.

Any clues as to what the cause might be and how to cure them? They are on layer pellets. Should I switch to a higher protein content feed, such as a chick feed? They get plenty of goodies.

 

[Doodle_Doo]

i had that problem to awhile back but was told it was normal behavior for hens that are getting broody making a nest..
i thought it was like parrots that pluck out feathers due to stress and lack of attention