Missing feathers

[Bodine69]

A lot of my hands are missing feathers bare skin on the back just in front of the tailfeathers. This is caused by the rooster or perhaps some other disease. I do use natural diatomaceous earth in the dust bath.

 

[Kiki]

Can you post a few pictures?
Sounds like it could be from the rooster.
DE will not get rid of mites...which you may actually be seeing, if they do have mites.
Check them at night with a flash light for bugs.

 

[toomuch]

Most likely its from your rooster. My rooster is very rough when mating with my hens and they lose there feathers in that same area.

 

[Joanie1975]

My sitter is losing a lot too. All she does is sit, don't lay any eggs. She sits on the fake eggs and the other hens as they lay them. We have to make her leave the nest twice a day. She also has a lot missing on her belly. I'm new so I don't know why it's happening

 

[Pork Pie]

My sitter is losing a lot too. All she does is sit, don't lay any eggs. She sits on the fake eggs and the other hens as they lay them. We have to make her leave the nest twice a day. She also has a lot missing on her belly. I'm new so I don't know why it's happening

Your hen is broody. In the absence of fertile eggs or a desire to hatch chicks, it's best to break her broodiness. You can do this by putting her in a crate, raised off the ground a little, with food, water but no bedding. Keep her in there for 3-4 days. I'd also check for mites, lice

 

[Joanie1975]

Thank you. I put her on some fertilized eggs last Friday.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

I can't tell you what the problem or cause is. But after you do find it and address it, you may want to try this feed..
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/nutrena-naturewise-feather-fixer-40-lb
We have used it after our mite infestation was corrected. With positive results.

If in fact it is mites. Just inspect your birds thoroughly. And you make the call.
Treat according to the directions of the product of your choice.
Then boost their diet for feather repair.
Good luck too you.