Leghorns - fighting or moulting

[danny2324]

So I have 4 (I think Novogens) and 6 leghorns - about 12 months old.

Most if not all of the leghorns are losing feathers now, around their back, breast and some on their neck.The black one is the worst one. There is no blood on any and doesnt appear to be any wounds.

Any ideas? Are these fighting, sorting a pecking order, bored, vitamin deficiencies?
What can I do to make their feathers grow back?
What is that lump at the bottom of the black one's neck? It seems to stick out from its breast.

They are in a run about 15 sq/m and I try to let them out every day around the garden. They have things in there to keep them entertained eg swing, mirror etc

thanks

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Is there a rooster in the flock?
The lump is the crop.
The black one looks the worst. It could be molt.
What makes up their entire diet? Be specific with feed type including protein percentage and amount of other feeds including scratch grains, scraps, etc. and what percentage of the diet those things make up.

ETA
Are they still laying and how many eggs a day do you average from the flock?
Have you checked them carefully for lice and mites?
Do you see any feather picking?

 

[danny2324]

Hi thanks for the quick reply.

There is no rooster

I feed them this which is 16% protein- http://www.millbryhill.co.uk/small-...aign=froogle&gclid=CMH6hL6j28YCFZCWtAodUHEOSQ

Most days I will throw a handful of mixed corn http://www.chicken-house.co.uk/acatalog/Mixed_corn_20kg.html

I tend not to give them scraps often, maybe average once a week

Yes they are still laying, averaging 5-6 eggs a day

I have had a quick check of them for lice / mites but not sure what I am looking for I would assume like lice on a human? there is no redmite as the wood is treated and I've lined most of the roost in plastic so I can clean it easily

Ive not seen any feather picking but watching them for some time the bigger couple of the flock do chase / peck the black one photographed - she doesnt help herself she wonders around clucking constantly and they probably get fed up of her - she seems very nervous the last few days and tends to stay in a nest box - I have had to pull her out to eat

 

[ChickenCanoe]

They look a little rough, especially if no rooster is scratching feathers from their backs.

I would probably switch to or mix half and half a higher protein starter/grower feed. Try to get the protein up to 18% or more. Since they're laying, it isn't likely molt.
Feathers are 92% protein and feather picking is often a sign they need more protein. It will also help them recover faster if it is molt. I'd also cut out the scratch grains for a while. If you do give them, go with something a bit higher in protein like oat groats, hulled sunflower seeds, lentils or flax. Corn is about 8% protein so that can cut the 16% they're getting from feed.

Canned mackerel is a cheap source of high quality animal protein. Try giving them a can every couple days depending on how many birds you have.