missing feathers

[uglyduck]

could someone help me with a problem I am having with my hen.

I have a 2 year old wyndott hen that has feathers missing around her vent.
The feathers are missing on top about one inch from the vent while the feathers on each side and bottom are missing about thee inches from her vent.
The skin showing lookes very healthy light pink with no blemishes or bugs.
I think she also has some feathers missing from her underside.... she behaives fine seems happy, eats well.
If some one has any idea why my hen has feathers missing please respond.
Thanks

 

[roxyblue]

my hen has the same thing
A week ago i was checking her over and saw little critters crawling near her vent

LICE!
She had been pulling out her own feathers hoping that it would releive the agitated feeling she must have had
i treated her this morning.
check your hen for lice.
if its not lice she could be in molt.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Quote:
You could have a feather plucker, How many hens do you have? and roos? when i see missing feathers from around the vent it's usually some one plucking them, so I spray Blue-kote that usually stops it. you can get it at most feed stores and TSC. also you can get the kind with wand at most drug stores called Geniatan Violet[ I might have it spelled wrong] Look at all your hens if any of the others are missing feathers and one isn't you most likely have your feather plucker. and

 

[Miss Lydia]

Quote:
Thats true lice and mites can cause them to pluck their own feathers trying to get comfort from itching. good idea to check them over real good.
http://ohioline.osu.edu/vme-fact/0018.html