Moulting V Pecking

[BethChick78]

Hi there,

I have 10 layers. They are 10 months old and all laying an egg a day (no issues there) but lately they are all starting to look a bit scraggy on the bum end. They have all started to moult as there are many feathers around the coop and the fluff is all bushy. The problem is in their tail feathers & coverts. They look to me like they have been pecked out. One hen is worse than the others but I have not witnessed the 'pecking'. They are fed layer pellets, scratch & loads of fresh veg so I can't see it being a protein thing. There coop sure is big enough (more space than suggested per chicken on the building forums) so I'm stumped. Is this normal? I have checked all chickens over and there is no sign of lice or any other nasties. Does anyone have any ideas, is this just part of the moult or something more sinister?

 

[Judy]

Both the scratch and the fresh veggies have less protein than the layer pellets, or none, so both reduce their total protein intake. Also, layer pellets come in different protein percentages. Scratch formulas do vary; you can find the protein % for yours on the label.

 

[BethChick78]

Thanks Flockwatcher. I'll check the % and up it to see if that helps. I've also just been reading about the first year moult and mites. I'm pretty sure it's not mites but I will check again today. I'll see if I can post a picture and see if that helps identify the problem. Thanks again for your help.