molting, pecking or self pecking? advise

[enon]

Hi, I am new to chickens, I got 2 reds in March 2012 and then 2 more may 2012, they have always had a little bullying between the older ones and younger. the 2 younger ones started missing shoulder feathers about a month ago. I segregated one, that I thought was the problem, then I caught one of the older hens mounting one of the younger ones. I segregated the most bully, about a week ago. But one of the younger ones, as seen in the photo, is not healing up fast. the shoulders look more bare (or worse, no blood) also her chest and above the tail are also very ruffled, and some missing. The feathers behind her comb are missing now. Another is missing feathers under chin... can't get a good pic, I will try later. I have been using blue kote on the bare spots. I have not caught any others pecking on her, just once she tried to peck at her own shoulders after being sprayed. She hates being sprayed, and is very skittish now. Before she was friendly and comfortable. they free range often, when I am home, otherwise a 4x8 outdoor pen and 4x4 hen house. I don't think they are crowded.... but I don't know I am new to this.... Sorry for the long post. Any advice? I worried, they do bath in wood ash, and I have not found any mites.

 

[goldiethehen]

yeah, that doesn't look like molting. Probably just a bully! Those reds can be really mean. I have one that bullies the other chickens. We let them free range so there isn't as big of a problem (the little ones can run away) But sometimes this particular red mounts the other hens and pulls some feathers. I think its ok. None of mine seem like they are in pain because of it. A four by 8 pen is a good size. Like I said earlier, its a bit easier for the red to corner other chickens when they're not free ranging. I think it will be ok.
I've never seen feathers missing on the wings like that. only on the head b/c when the chicken mounts them, she holds on to their head feathers to balance herself. Could possibly be mites, never dealt with those though, so dont know what that would look like.
sorry this wasn't much help. Good Luck!