Missing feathers on rear

[Missholmes]

Need advice for novice chicken owner. I noticed on my Australorp (Kova) there is an area on her back that is missing feathers and has a couple of red spots on the skin. No feather loss at neck, as it does not look like molting Looks like skin irritation - No open sores. Her feathers look well at shaft, with no debris or powder at base of feathers. She is the only one out of six hens that have this issue. I do not see lice or symptoms that could be lice. I also checked with flashlight for possible mites but, there is nothing there. She has access to DM bathing, and I sprinkled some on her back. I plan to watch her this weekend but, want to make sure this does not become a larger problem, or cause more discomfort. I am thinking of treating for mites but, would like recommendations from experienced chicken owners since I have not seen anything? Thank you for your time.

Details:
1. Own six chickens (ladies)
2. They recently moved from the brooder, into the coop last week.
3. They are eating non medicated chicken grower, and drinking water with vinegar.
4. There has been no change to Kova's behavior, or the her other roommates.
5. Overall she looks very healthy except for missing feathers.
6. Also I live in San Diego county, first time owning chickens on our property.
7. Noticed possible feather loss two days ago but, hard to tell her wings are able to cover up the area with feather loss well until tonight.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

They need a proper chicken ration. Scratch is a treat. I recommend getting them on a non medicated grower. It's probably from feather picking due to them not getting enough protein from their diet.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Oh, and welcome to BYC.

 

[Missholmes]

They need a proper chicken ration. Scratch is a treat. I recommend getting them on a non medicated grower. It's probably from feather picking due to them not getting enough protein from their diet.

Sorry I meant to say non medicated chicken grower but, thank you for the clarification

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Sorry I meant to say non medicated chicken grower but, thank you for the clarification

So they are on a grower already? How old are they? How big of an area are they in?

Another reason for feather picking is crowding or boredom.

You can always dust them with a pyrethrin based poultry dust or spray. It won't hurt, but if you aren't seeing any external parasites than I would guess they are getting plucked out by other birds. The vent area is a common place for others to pluck them from.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

So they are on a grower already? How old are they? How big of an area are they in?

Another reason for feather picking is crowding or boredom.

You can always dust them with a pyrethrin based poultry dust or spray. It won't hurt, but if you aren't seeing any external parasites than I would guess they are getting plucked out by other birds. The vent area is a common place for others to pluck them from.

In addition to answering the questions posed by @oldhenlikesdogs can you post some photos of your pullets and your housing?