missing feathers

[robyn8]

I have some hens that are missing feathers. It is not a rooster issue. It started with one hen missing some on her back when we had a rooster. I put an apron on her and then we ended up getting rid of the rooster and the feather loss continued to get worse. I can't see any parasites on her and now more hens are affected and in different areas. one has lost feathers on her cheeks and under her chin. Another has lost some around her wings. Another has some by her tail feather missing. It is all the hens who sleep together minus one, so I have a theory that the one who in the group who is not missing any feathers is pulling the others' feathers out but I never see it happening in the daytime or when check on them at night. the other 3 hens who do not sleep with the big group have zero missing feathers. Should I try to treat for parasites, or try to separate the one I think MIGHT be picking the other feathers out?

 

[alohamade]

It could be a parasite problem. Especially if the feathers are missing by their vents and under their wings. Are their combs pale?

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

I would try separating the problem chicken....
It could also be some kind of molt. Wrong time of year though...

 

[robyn8]

It could be a parasite problem. Especially if the feathers are missing by their vents and under their wings. Are their combs pale?

The feather lose really isn't around their vents at all. Its all backs, wings and around their heads. They all have bright red combs and are eating, drinking, laying normally. I have a broody in our hospital cage but once she's done I think I'll try separating the one from that group with no missing feathers. how long would you separate her for and if she is the issue, would you get rid of her, or will she stop doing it after she is separated for a while?

 

[alohamade]

I'd definitely separate her to see if she's the problem. You can try to keep her separated for at least 4-7 days (maybe more maybe less) if you notice the feathers growing back on the other hens. If they continue to lose their feathers then you'll know its something else.