Missing Feathers

[Hannahg1001]

This is my chicken T, short for thunder! One day I noticed she had feathers missing and a bald/red spot where they use to be. This happened a few months ago and I have been applying the purple stuff (pictured below) to those spots on her. I have 9 female chickens, all the same breed. She was the smallest of them all and I do have a few who think they’re something if you know what I mean! I thought that maybe they ganged up on her but I don’t know it hasn’t healed any. It wouldn’t be molting I don’t think because they just started a few weeks-month ago. I’m not sure what it’s from or how to help her!

 

[DobieLover]

Are any other birds exhibiting this pattern?
It looks like rooster/cockerel damage. You are certain you have no males?
How much space is in the coop and run?
What are you feeding?

 

[coach723]

Sometimes in the absence of a rooster a dominant hen will do mounting behavior. Some observing will help determine if that is going on.
Nine birds in how much space? Over crowding can be an issue and feather picking may be contributing also. Enough space is determined by the birds themselves and their behavior, so what works for one group may not work for another. I see lots of broken feather shafts, so I think either mounting or feather picking, or both.
Feathers may not grow back until she does molt.

 

[Hannahg1001]

Are any other birds exhibiting this pattern?
It looks like rooster/cockerel damage. You are certain you have no males?
How much space is in the coop and run?
What are you feeding?

No other birds are, it’s only T. I’m confident they’re all hens and I did not have a rooster/cockerel. I did just get one yesterday that is very young, or at least I’m hoping it’s a cockerel (that’s on a different thread). Therefore it shouldn’t be any rooster damage. I added some picture of their coop, the house part and the playground part, and then they have a wide area outside also shown below. As for feeding, I give them a mixture of cracked corn, oyster shells, and durmor pellets 16% layer feed, although they do get some treats such as pineapple sometimes.

 

[Hannahg1001]

Sometimes in the absence of a rooster a dominant hen will do mounting behavior. Some observing will help determine if that is going on.
Nine birds in how much space? Over crowding can be an issue and feather picking may be contributing also. Enough space is determined by the birds themselves and their behavior, so what works for one group may not work for another. I see lots of broken feather shafts, so I think either mounting or feather picking, or both.
Feathers may not grow back until she does molt.

I have posted some pictures, I do have one or two hens who do run the bunch so that is a VERY possible explanation. They sleep in their coop durning the night, but other than that they are out at all other times. Doing as they please. I did just get a cockerel yesterday (what I hope is one, that’s on another thread) so hopefully that may help with the hens possible behavior

 

[RainbowHen]

She will need a higher protein food to grow feathers. With the added corn you are diluting the protein and vitamin/mineral content of your feed substantially. I would remove the corn completely and give her a higher protein feed.

 

[Hannahg1001]

No other birds are, it’s only T. I’m confident they’re all hens and I did not have a rooster/cockerel. I did just get one yesterday that is very young, or at least I’m hoping it’s a cockerel (that’s on a different thread). Therefore it shouldn’t be any rooster damage. I added some picture of their coop, the house part and the playground part, and then they have a wide area outside also shown below. As for feeding, I give them a mixture of cracked corn, oyster shells, and durmor pellets 16% layer feed, although they do get some treats such as pineapple sometimes.View attachment 2364987View attachment 2364988View attachment 2364989View attachment 2364990View attachment 2364991View attachment 2364992View attachment 2364993View attachment 2364994

The cage is in there temporarily, just put in there last night to introduce the new cockerel

 

[Hannahg1001]

She will need a higher protein food to grow feathers. With the added corn you are diluting the protein and vitamin/mineral content of your feed substantially. I would remove the corn completely and give her a higher protein feed.

I had seen where some recommended to go back to starter feeds. Is that the route I should go? Or just continue to give them the feed I am, but minus the corn

 

[shineandrise]

If you go back to starter feeds, do one for pullets or something like that, NOT CHICKS STARTER. I am guessing she got pecked by one of the other hens, seeing that she is the smallest.

 

[coach723]

I feed a flock raiser feed. Usually called flock raiser or all flock, brand is up to you. They usually run 18-20% protein, I find my birds do better on it. You will need to offer oyster shell in a separate feeder all the time for the hens that need it, they will take what they need. I prefer to feed this way rather than layer feed. Calcium needs can vary depending on age, laying status, and can vary between birds and seasons. Birds that are not laying and cockerels/roosters don't need the extra calcium in layer feed and long term it could cause kidney issues or gout. If my store is out of flock raiser I will usually get a grower feed until they are back in stock. I haven't used layer feed in years. When raising chicks their first feed is starter, then I switch to flock raiser.
I also would discontinue the corn, too many carbs, and it will make them fat. They do love it, and will sometimes pick only that out leaving the feed, leading to deficiencies. I would keep that for only occasional treats in small amounts.