Light Brahma/pecking question...

[Country Gal]

I've noticed that a couple of my Light Brahmas are missing most of the feathers on their backs, right above the tail.

I'm assuming that they were pecked by the other chickens, but they never pecked to the point of blood.

Are these feathers going to grow back at any point?

Thanks!

 

[BeckyLa]

Are these hens? If so, they are the roo's favorite hens and breeds them more than the others. I have the same problem with my Barred Rocks.

 

[MayberrySaint]

My light brahma pullets went through a similar stage at about 8 - 12 weeks of age. Missing feathers with no blood. I think it may be a stage where their adult feathers are growing in.

 

[Country Gal]

Would they be practicing "breeding behavior" at this age? They are only 10 weeks old...

 

[AccidentalFarm]

Not sure about Brahma males, but my Leghorn roo's are certainly practicing this behavior at 8 weeks. They seem particularly fond of a Dark Brahma pullet. She also has missing feather just above her tail. She's separated from the others now until she heals, and the boys get their own pen now. I didn't expect to deal with this so early on.

 

[MayberrySaint]

Quote:
That's the same age as mine when the feathers fell out. It defintely wasn't due to breeding behavior. Like I said, it seems like it was a normal stage of feathering, etc.