Out of my mixed flock of 35 hens, I have one BA that continues to pull out her own tail feathers. She doesn't seem to be eating them. Just pulling them out and leaving them on the ground. I have seen some white specks on her back but they don't seem to be bugs, just feather "stuff" or dander. What should I do with her? I've only had her for about 4 weeks and we've moved her from a neighboring farm, and then again into a new coop at our place so she's had a lot of change lately. She eats the same high quality organic feed that everyone else gets. Clean spacious warm coop, lots of fresh veggies, oyster shell if she wants it. What else should I do? Is there something I can paint on her tail to make her stop? I also saw her pulling on her neck feathers, so I'm concerned that I'd have to paint the whole chicken to get her to stop! Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Maybe she's got chicken ickies (mites or lice)? Maybe she is a little bored? Maybe mmm she's a little stressed? She'll probably develop other hobbies if you provide some treats that take effore to eat.
