Is this from pecking or something else?

[abfelix]

Hi, curious if anyone has seen this on one of their birds before. This is the only hen in my flock that’s neck feathers looks “shredded”. Her tail feather look similar but less dramatic. Any idea of this could be caused by the other birds or by a parasite/mites? I’d love to help her if I can. The whole flock is a little over a year old.

 

[sourland]

Looks like her best friend is getting carried away grooming her. Do you have a rooster ? If so she may be his favorite.

 

[abfelix]

Looks like her best friend is getting carried away grooming her. Do you have a rooster ? If so she may be his favorite.

Interesting, no rooster. 7 hens.

 

[sourland]

Didn't look like rooster damage to me. That's why I suggested one of her 'friends' may be overgrooming her.

 

[abfelix]

Didn't look like rooster damage to me. That's why I suggested one of her 'friends' may be overgrooming her.

Any way to help that? She’s been like this for a could months and now has little sores which are new

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Sometimes they will eat feathers if they need protein. What are you feeding?

 

[abfelix]

Sometimes they will eat feathers if they need protein. What are you feeding?

16% layer feed. They get dried grubs and fresh produce for snacks.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

16% layer feed. They get dried grubs and fresh produce for snacks.

I would get a higher protein feed and cut down the snacks for a while and see if that helps. My chickens get snacks twice a week maybe

 

[abfelix]

I would get a higher protein feed and cut down the snacks for a while and see if that helps. My chickens get snacks twice a week maybe

Thank you! Will try that