My girl is either losing feathers or getting them plucked. What do I do?

[ldeuerling]

I am new to the chicken world, and have had 4 girls from chicks that are about 1 year old now. Lately I've noticed 3 of the 4 have missing feathers on their backside near their tail feathers. One of them seems worse than the others, and today seemed a little dull and not acting her normal self. There not where I can consistently watch them, so I can't confirm if another chicken is plucking the feathers out, or if they're losing feathers due to something else. Other than the one acting a little dull today, they seem to be fine otherwise. Not sure what exactly I should do next, any tips would be appreciated! Also apologize if this is the wrong section to post this question/concern. Thank you!

Update: the one seems to be acting more herself again since this morning

 

[cherrynberry]

I am new to the chicken world, and have had 4 girls from chicks that are about 1 year old now. Lately I've noticed 3 of the 4 have missing feathers on their backside near their tail feathers. One of them seems worse than the others, and today seemed a little full and not acting her normal self. There not where I can consistently watch them, so I can't confirm if another chicken is plucking the feathers out, or if they're losing feathers due to something else. Other than the one acting a little dull today, they seem to be fine otherwise. Not sure what exactly I should do next, any tips would be appreciated! Also apologize if this is the wrong section to post this question/concern. Thank you!

Pictures?

 

[ldeuerling]

Pictures?

 

[cherrynberry]

She is molting, but I also see some feather breakage. If you don't have a male, I wouldn't worry. What do you feed?

 

[ldeuerling]

She is molting, but I also see some feather breakage. If you don't have a male, I wouldn't worry. What do you feed?

I feed them Purina Layena crumbles, and throw out some corn and scratch grains every morning too

 

[cherrynberry]

I feed them Purina Layena crumbles, and throw out some corn and scratch grains every morning too

Stop the corn and scratch grains. It should not exceed 10% of their overall diet. I wouldn't feed it everyday. Grain is not very high in protein, its higher in phosporus. How much protein is in their crumble? For ALL chickens, I recommend feeding at least 18% protein. 16% is a little low IMO, but is also quite common in layer feeds.

 

[ldeuerling]

Stop the corn and scratch grains. It should not exceed 10% of their overall diet. I wouldn't feed it everyday. Grain is not very high in protein, its higher in phosporus. How much protein is in their crumble? For ALL chickens, I recommend feeding at least 18% protein. 16% is a little low IMO, but is also quite common in layer feeds.

The grains are more of just a little fun morning treat, not a meal. But I can probably cut back on that. The food is 16% protein

 

[cherrynberry]

The grains are more of just a little fun morning treat, not a meal. But I can probably cut back on that. The food is 16% protein

Molting is a really stressful time for chickens, they mostly only molt annually. During this time, its important to provide higher protein to ensure they grow their feathers back. I see that she has a few pin feathers coming in already. Its really painful growing the pin feathers, so try not to carry her too much. They may also stop laying. I feed 20% protein for my flock. I definitely recommend upping the protein level to at least 18% protein once your bag runs out. Some birds may have trouble growing their feathers back with 16% protein.

 

[ldeuerling]

Thank you! This bag of feed is almost out so I was planning on getting more here soon anyway. Is there a certain brand you like/recommend?

 

[cherrynberry]

Thank you! This bag of feed is almost out so I was planning on getting more here soon anyway. Is there a certain brand you like/recommend?

I really like Purina. My chickens seem to do really great on it. I have a male though, so I can't feed layer feed.

There are 3 main types of chicken feed:

Layer feed: Has 2-3% calcium (I think) or something like that. This is made for hens and ACTIVE layers. Because the calcium level is fixed, chickens get what they need from it. However, it can be harmful toward males, since they don't need the extra calcium. It can effect their systems. It usually has 16% protein.
All-Flock: This is what I feed. Usually has less than 1% of calcium. Made for "everyone". It works for chickens of all kinds. Chicks, males, females, pullets, and hens. Calcium is provided in a separate dish (where it cannot get wet), in the form of OS (oyster shells). Chickens can regulate their feed intake pretty well and will eat the OS when they need it. Keep in mind that males will eat it from time to time as well. This tends to have a higher amount of protein.
Grower/starter: Nutritionally really similar to All-Flock. This is great for chicks and stuff. If I can't get All-Flock, I get this.