Mites or what?

[RenaeS]

So some of my girls have spots that have broken feathers or no feathers. Mostly around their neck. Once is at her wings neck and almost bare on her chest and tummy. Have looked multiple times nothing is crawling around.

Mites? Pecking each other at night on the roost?

Sorry it's difficult to hold and take pics!
Any ideas!

 

[nuthatched]

Do you see dirt clumps around the base of feathers?
It could be feather picking, which is caused by low protein feed, cramped spaces, chickens being jerks...etc

 

[Hanathehappyhen]

I don't see any super obvious mites. Are these chickens lower in the pecking order? Because bullies often peck go for the neck feathers.

 

[RenaeS]

That is my suspicion. But of course I worry there is something else I don't want to miss. Have a roo and soon as he is out of quarantine I hope it quells any rift raft going on!
Thanks for your input.

 

[nuthatched]

What's their diet? How big is their space?

 

[RenaeS]

They have plenty of indoor and outdoor space. They get to be out in the very large outdoor run and get bugs. Then get 17% at least protein feed for supplemental. There are also 2 feeders so allows for more options to feed. Have not had issues for forever and this just developed last cpl months.

 

[BastyPutt]

Do you see dirt clumps around the base of feathers?
It could be feather picking, which is caused by low protein feed, cramped spaces, chickens being jerks...etc

Curious about the clumps of dirt? What would that tell us?

 

[RenaeS]

No clumps of dirt. Completely clear. Just broken feathers