Missing feathers

[JaBe]

So a little background. I thought that our rooster was ripping feathers out while mating as it was only 1 when-- so we got rid of him

Now we have many hens missing feathers: back by the wings, on their back, in their neck (nite we do have one naked neck and are aware) -- WHY???

We have 7 hens, 4x8 coop with an enclosed run and 3 nesting boxes. We do have a heat lamp (maybe we need that to go away) on when it gets below 20°. They are on egg layer feed, with grit and get scratch each evening. We also feed fresh fruit and veggies of some kind on a daily bases. Egg laying is normal minus yesterday they were a bit deformed (wavy and looked like sandpaper - not too much calcium type of bumps).

We are located in upstate NY so no really warm right now but not as cold as it has been. I am desperate to any suggestions. I added several photos (some of the same bird) we have 2 yellow chickens but they don't have any missing feathers). Thank you!!!

 

[ChicNmom]

One pic looks a little bit like pin and new feathers coming in but not the others. Did they all molt in the Fall? They usually don't all molt in the same place though.

Or, If all the birds except the yellow ones are missing feathers then you may have a couple of bullies. I had a nasty Leghorn that would sneak up on hens she didn't like and pluck feathers out of their butts. Most of my girls ended up with bald butt from her.

Can you separate the yellow hens for a few days to see if something changes?

 

[JaBe]

One pic looks a little bit like pin and new feathers coming in but not the others. Did they all molt in the Fall? They usually don't all molt in the same place though.

Or, If all the birds except the yellow ones are missing feathers then you may have a couple of bullies. I had a nasty Leghorn that would sneak up on hens she didn't like and pluck feathers out of their butts. Most of my girls ended up with bald butt from her.

Can you separate the yellow hens for a few days to see if something changes?

They are 8 months old and did not molt in the fall. First time chicken owner. It is bare skin where they are missing feathers. May have to separate and see if that is the case. Thanks for that suggestion.

 

[coach723]

I'd say either you have a dominant hen doing mounting (this sometimes happens in the absence of a rooster) or you have feather picking going on. Feather picking is often from overcrowding or boredom. How big is their run? Even one dominant/aggressive bird can make a space too small, so I would do some observing to see what's going on. When it's feather picking it's often the most pristine looking bird that is the one doing it. And it could be happening when they go to roost. I would also not do scratch daily and really watch the amount of treats given (anything other than their regular feed is a treat) as it can really dilute their protein intake, which can also contribute. You might consider switching them to a higher protein feed like a flock raiser or grower in the 18 - 20% protein range (layer is 16%), just make sure to provide oyster shell all the time in a separate feeder for the calcium they need. Feathers may not fill back in until they molt.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I thought that our rooster was ripping feathers out while mating as it was only 1 when-- so we got rid of him

Now we have many hens missing feathers: back by the wings, on their back, in their neck

7 hens, 4x8 coop with an enclosed run and 3 nesting boxes. We do have a heat lamp (maybe we need that to go away)

Egg laying is normal minus yesterday they were a bit deformed (wavy and looked like sandpaper - not too much calcium type of bumps).

we have 2 yellow chickens but they don't have any missing feathers

You sure you still don't have a rooster?

 

[JaBe]

I'd say either you have a dominant hen doing mounting (this sometimes happens in the absence of a rooster) or you have feather picking going on. Feather picking is often from overcrowding or boredom. How big is their run? Even one dominant/aggressive bird can make a space too small, so I would do some observing to see what's going on. When it's feather picking it's often the most pristine looking bird that is the one doing it. And it could be happening when they go to roost. I would also not do scratch daily and really watch the amount of treats given (anything other than their regular feed is a treat) as it can really dilute their protein intake, which can also contribute. You might consider switching them to a higher protein feed like a flock raiser or grower in the 18 - 20% protein range (layer is 16%), just make sure to provide oyster shell all the time in a separate feeder for the calcium they need. Feathers may not fill back in until they molt.

All great advice. Thank you! We will make some diet adjustments - and keep an eye on our Luigi, she's the only one not missing feathers. Do you suggest getting saddle sweaters for them? The average temperature is 15°-25°.
Does anyone have any advice on the use of heating lamps with the red bulb or using a regular bulb during the day? The run is 25 feet by 10 feet. In the summer they were free range but with snow we keep them in the covered run.

 

[ChicNmom]

I would use the hen saddles. If they are out of the wind and have cover in the run you likely don't need to heat it during the day. We have some clear plastic on the sides of the run and it stays noticeably warmer in there. Especially on a sunny day. I don't use heat in the coop at night unless the actual temps are in the negative. Then I use a flap panel heater. No risk of fire and it's just enough heat to take the edge off with out making them too warm.

 

[coach723]

Heat lamps are really a fire hazard in the coop. Healthy birds that can get out of the wind and stay dry will generally be fine even in extreme low temps. Some birds tolerate saddles well, some do not, so if you use them them monitor your birds to make sure they are OK. I've had birds freak out about them and then get attacked by others. Also had escape artists that manage to get them off no matter what.