Missing button feathers

[burkechicken]

Just noticed this morning. I have 11 birds about 10 months old. No roos. She is the only one to be missing these feathers. I've been watching her and she is eating drinking and pooping fine. The other ladies do not seem to peck at her. Possibly molting? But think she may be to young for that. They all get nutrena naturewise laying feed. Any ideas?

 

[burkechicken]

I meant butt feathers

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Missing butt feathers is usually from feather picking or external parasites. If you haven't see any picking that I would try dusting them with a good poultry dust. I also will dust the roost cracks and the bottom of the nestboxes before replacing them with new bedding.

Sometimes parasites can get out of control during winter due to them not being able to dust bath as effectively.

Make sure to feed a higher protein feed, something with 18-22% protein to help prevent deficiencies which will cause feather picking and eating.