Hens ripping out rooster's feathers!! Help!

[HallChicks]

I was just watching my little flock when I noticed my rooster has a very raw looking neck and there are a lot of feathers missing!!! Then I saw one of my hens pull out one of his neck feathers and try and eat it!!

I was shocked. Then she pulled out another- he did not even try and fight her off or even flinch! Then the other hen pulled out another! He is going to be bald by the end of today!! What is going on!! What should I do?

 

[silkiechicken]

It can be a sign of protein defficency but... to my efforts... my hens do it too.

 

[HallChicks]

Doesn't your rooster try and stop them? It must hurt!! It looks terrible!

 

[2mnypets]

I would suggest some Avia Charge 2000 from McMurray. It's suppose to have everything a chicken would need as far as vitamins, minerals and trace elements. I too have heard that that is a sign of protein deficiency. I would imagine it would hurt terribly. That's my thoughts anyway.