Missing fluff and feathers on butt

[4 Sweet Chicks]

Hi everyone,

We are new to chickens this year and this is our first winter. We have 3 laying hens and it's been below freezing here for the last couple of weeks. Our Barred Rock hen is completely bare on her bottom but looks normal everywhere else, The other girls seem fine. I haven't noticed any aggressive behavior out there and she is still laying but I am concerned. What do you think this is? What should I do? Thank you so much for your help!

 

[willowbranchfarm]

If you have a rooster it could be from mating. Also if feeders are sitting on the ground chickens have to bend over to eat so their butt is in the air and others will peck at it.

 

[4 Sweet Chicks]

Thanks for responding! We do not have a rooster. Would her bottom look red if it was being pecked? It doesn't look red, just bare. The feeder is up off the ground a bit but not really high...

 

[willowbranchfarm]

Here is a great thread.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/287443/when-butt-feathers-disappear

 

[myfinefeatheredfriends]

Sometimes cannibalism happens and you don't even know it is. Chickens will just casually walk up to another hen, peck it a couple times, then stroll off when something else catches their attention. If enough hens do that in the same spot (not sure why they choose the butt area though - some things I'll never understand), it will be bare in no time. I call it "secret cannibalism" because they don't show aggression. Others might see it as chicken ADD mixed with boredom.

 

[4 Sweet Chicks]

So, should I separate her from the other hens until her fluff starts to grow back or just make sure they have more time out of the coop/run?

 

[willowbranchfarm]

It depends, if it gets pecked and the skin gets broken then I would separate her. But for now I would just leave her. I dont know how long it will take for her new feathers to grow back.

 

[4 Sweet Chicks]

I was able to get a closer look tonight and it does look like she is getting pecked