Missing feathers- normal or cause for concern?

[SconnieChickens]

I have 11 chickens that are a year old. Starting in late fall and throughout winter several of them (6 by my count) lost feathers in what appeared to be normal molting...some lost a lot all over and some lost mainly all around the neck and a few spots on the body. All grew back just fine. I now have a few chickens who have lost feathers just on their necks, just below their head. None of these were the ones that molted over the winter. One who did molt has a patch on her breast that is a little red and the feathers aren’t growing back nice and full. I have looked them over top to bottom and see no sign of any pests, but I’m a newbie so maybe I’m missing something. Wondering if this is normal or if it could be something like mites? It seems weird that they are all losing in the same spot and this time of year. I haven’t seen any signs of bullying other than the normal quick pecks here and there. They have plenty of room, and I don’t see them itching or scratching a lot. Thoughts?

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

Strange. Are you sure there is no bullying?

 

[SconnieChickens]

A couple more pics. I picked up and looked the first one over (my Wyandotte) and it looks like she might have a vent prolapse too?!?

 

[Crazy Fun Chicken Lady]

I am having the same problem but some of mine are missing feathers on the to of their necks. It is very strange. Does anyone know what could be going on?

 

[Mamatomany123]

I am having the same problem but some of mine are missing feathers on the to of their necks. It is very strange. Does anyone know what could be going on?

Do you have a rooster? If not then first thing I would do is check for mites and/or lice. If. One then I would start to pay attention to who she roosts next to. Someone may be plucking her. It's not always a sign of aggression. Could be boredom, bad habit, something missing in their diet, too small of a coop.

 

[Crazy Fun Chicken Lady]

I have 2 roos and 44 hens but the roos are only with them a couple of hours a few times a week while they are free ranging and supervised. The roos were getting picked on so that is why I separated them. My hens necks look exactly like the original post's picts but a few have missing feathers in other spots. I have looked and I cannot find any parasites. It is not just one hen but several with missing feathers.

 

[Mamatomany123]

I have 2 roos and 44 hens but the roos are only with them a couple of hours a few times a week while they are free ranging and supervised. The roos were getting picked on so that is why I separated them. My hens necks look exactly like the original post's picts but a few have missing feathers in other spots. I have looked and I cannot find any parasites. It is not just one hen but several with missing feathers.

My guess is you have a hen or more who's plucking them. You'll need to watch to find out who it is.

 

[Crazy Fun Chicken Lady]

Ok thank you for your help

 

[cmom]

Also some mites only come out at night to feed on the birds. I use a headlamp to be on the safe side and check mine if I see anything unusual after they go to roost and with the headlamp have my hands free to inspect the birds. I like to rule out any possibilities. Good luck...

 

[Bknobel]

Did you get info on how to cure mites