Is this a disease or a feisty rooster's doing?

[mcdaid36]

Just noticed yesterday that within my mixed flock, most of my Dominiques are missing a lot of feathers at the tops of their head. If they were a human, it would qualify as male pattern baldness. Not sure if this is some type of disease (or mites, etc.) or if it's something the rooster is doing. Maybe he's grabbing them on the top of their head instead of the back of their neck? I watched them for a while yesterday, but never actually witnessed him doing that. Any ideas?
Thanks!!!

 

[NotTheMomma]

Sounds the roos are being a bit aggressive. How many roos to hens do you have?
You can take a flash light out at night once they've gone to bed, and check the area with the missing feathers, and the vents, under the wings, etc. for lice, and mites. If you see any moving bugs on them, you'll know you need to treat them. If you see clusters of white, gooey mess near the vent, it could be clusters of lice eggs.

Lets us know if you find anything on them.

 

[farmerjill]

I have a Dominique that had this happen as well. (Though not to my other Dominique, nor any of my other hens). There's no rooster with them. I'm wondering if it's just some genetic quirk? She's otherwise healthy and perky (and very very friendly).

 

[mcdaid36]

I have the 2 roosters in with 18 hens. They are very rough with the girls, a lot rougher than our last rooster. I'll keep a look out to see if I see them going for the top of the head, and also check for mites/lice. Thanks!