loosing feathers on the back

[marianne shawn]

I have several chickens that are almost like broken feathers on their back. It starts near the base of the tail feathers and slowly more of the feathers are almost like broken. I have no rooster, I don't have a bully, they are not molting, they are eating normally, red combs. I checked one out, no sign of mites or lice. I dusted her just in case. It started with one and now three others are showing the same signs,iit starts at the base of the tail feathers with a disruption in the feathers. The feathers are not gone, skin is not showing. Any ideas? Any input would be appreciated

 

[thecatumbrella]

Do you have pictures?

It sounds like you've covered your bases: no rooster, no bullies (though I'd spend a little extra time around them, just to make sure), and you've dusted them. Did you use permethrin dust, or something else? I'd treat the coop as well. You may need to retreat several times to kill any potential mites at their different life stages.

 

[marianne shawn]

Thank you for the input. I'll keep a closer eye on them. It is just weird that the feather disruption starts in the same place on their back. I've had mites and lice before, it wasn't anything like this. I am technologically inept, I have pictures but don't know how to post.