missing feathers on back---no roosters

[farrider387]

I have 8 pullets- 4 barred rocks and 4 reds. No roosters-never had any. Four of my birds have bald spots at base of tail. Fairly large-the size of a man's hand. I treat the spots often. This has persisted for 8 mos. I believe one of the reds is dominating and eating feathers. Problem is I don't know which one. Am I right in my guess and if so what can I do ? They get black sunflower seeds every day mixed in with their scratch.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

If they are eating the feathers, it could be a case of being low in Methione (needed to make feathers) or protein. You can use black oil sunflower seed (with shells is fine, just no salt).

It could also be your dominate hen. When you don't have a rooster you can end up with your dominate hen acting like a rooster. She will probably stop laying too. The only way I know to break that is getting a rooster.

Good luck!

 

[redwa]

Possible external parasites/mites?