My hens are losing feathers at the base of their tail

[crabby chickens]

Our hens are 23 weeks old and have been laying for the last 3 weeks. They have a coop and an outside run. They look really healthy and happy, but 4 days ago a few of them have lost all of the large feathers on their backs at the base of their tails. We don't see them pecking at each other. Is this molting? parasites? mites?

 

[JerseyGiantfolk]

It's that time of the year for molting. Check them for bugs next time you go out, it's good to check a few times a month. Check for any place coons/other critters could reach in and pluck a few feathers out too.

Good luck.

 

[nurse_turtle]

Molting will not occur until late summer after they turn 1 year old. Your girls have an overly loving rooster or they are pecking each other. Almost always, feather loss on the low back is from too much mating. Consider placing hen aprons/saddles on your girls.