Is this concerning? Missing feathers on face.

[Eggcessive]

You can increase the protein to 20% by using Flock Raiser or an all flock feed, or by supplimenting your 16% layer feed with a 24% gamebird starter. If using the all flock, you will need to make sure they also have access to some crushed oyster shell for extra calcium.

 

[sunflour]

She is my only EE, and she is the smallest hen. However, she is the dominant hen so I'm not sure they would pick on her. She was hatched in March. I also have a BO the same age and a BO and an Australorp that were hatched in may.

I have a store bought coop with an attached run. It allows just under 10 sq ft per chicken. I figured that was adequate space since they get outside time as well. Prior to the time change they were let out into a fence from the time I get home until dark, which was about an hour. Now they aren't able to get out because it's already dark when I get home. I can't leave them out in there when I'm not home as we have Hawks and there's no way to attach a top to my fence. Also, this particular chicken LOVES to fly over the fence, despite clipped wings. On the weekends I have them out the entire day if someone is home.

Temps here have been in the 40's and 50's, last night it got down to 30. I have not done anything to my coop for winter, there is plenty of ventilation as the upper part of the coop area is open and the run is all hardware cloth. I've attached a picture of my coop.

Even my #1 BR lost her buff feathers to the #2 feather picker when they had inadequate space and activity --- IMO 10 square feet per bird for total confinement is not enough space. I don't have EE's but have seen how they can easily fly over 5 ft tall fences.

Has any other member lost any bum feathers?

 

[Eggcessive]

I have a handful of blue wheaten ameraucana, and even the rooster will get his face feathers pecked out by his girls. They are being aggressive, but ai think it is just something they will do while hanging around together or on the roost in the early evening. I don't worry about it, they are not show chickens, and they get out daily.