losing feathers on back

[too many chickens]

One of my hens is losing feathers on her back. We don't have a rooster so that isn't the problem. I have checked for mite- she is clean as a whistle. any suggestions She is a large hen- I thoght she was rubbing her back on the door to her coop, so I enlarged the door. it seems to be getting worse. I haven't seen the other hens picking at her. Any suggestions?

 

[MissPrissy]

What are you feeding her? I suspect my exact same problem I have been battling is due to feeds lacking animal proteins. I have switched and my hens are on a mix of flock raiser and gamebird feed for a while to see if it helps grow back the feathers.

 

[sammi]

some mites are not seen on the birds during the day they get off and get back on them at night.
no harm in treating them for mites.
also the coop.

could she be in molt?

could she be scraping her back in the nest box?

what is the roost set up?
it's possible she is being pecked during the night..especially if the roost set up is "stepped".

sometimes, when there is no rooster..a hen steps in to be dominant and will act like a rooster.

try to observe if this might be happening..

what all do you feed?
she could probably use some extra protein, and/or some Avia Charge 2000..or vitamins.
during hot weather they tend not to eat as much and need a supplement..

 

[too many chickens]

They are getting 16% lay crumbles. and are free range during the day.

 

[too many chickens]

She seems to be the dominate hen but my daughter said she saw one of the other hens jump on her the other day- if that is the case what can I do?

 

[sammi]

you might have to separate the hen acting like a rooster for a few days to try and change the dynamics..
the hen that jumped on her is trying to be dominant.

is this hen laying eggs?
is she crowing?
how old is she?

 

[too many chickens]

they are both laying eggs, I think the jumper is crowing (or trying too) they are both about a year old.. we are also introducing to new chickens into the flock- one is a rooster but the hen with the missing feathers is the only one bullying the new chickens.. the jumper is leaving them alone... I was thinking last night about separating the hen with the missing feathers for a while to see if she can grow her feathers back and give the new rooster time to establish himself, and maybe change the jumper hen's mind about who she is? what do you think?

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

If one of my hens is acting badly I take that hen out and put her in a small box with air holes for about an hour with no food or water in there and when I put her back she is an angel

They don't like to be alone much at all. Good luck to you!

 

[too many chickens]

That sounds like an easy fix... If things get dicey today I think i'll try it.. Thanks!!!