Naked backs

[semichar]

Hi, I am a first-time chicken owner and I just bought six silver laced wyandotte pullets and a cockerel yesterday at a farm. They are 11 weeks old, and they are all missing most of the feathers on their backs. The lady at the farm assured me that this was normal, and it was just because they were young and hadn't grown those feathers yet, but based on several things I have read here, I know they should have all their feathers by now, so I am seriously doubting what she told me. I'm wondering if there is something else going on. She had all kinds of chickens of many ages, and I wonder if these young ones were picked on by some of her bigger chickens, or if there might be some kind of parasite or something.

The chickens seem quite content where they are now, and I have observed no signs of them picking each other whatsoever. What can I do to determine what the cause of this was, and how long will it take for them to get new feathers? Any other advice?

Thanks,

Charlene

 

[Darklingstorm]

pictures would help
But i would suspect an over eager rooster, poor living conditions (such as cages), over crowding conditions leading to pecking or parasites?
I would look them over very closely for parasites and if that isn't the case then when they molt again then they should get their feathers back in without any problem. Do keep an eye on them for sunburn or injuries that could lead to more pecking. In the case of sunburn, Ive read that baby suntan lotion can be used.

I had a rooster that had almost completely took all the feathers off one my hen's back (his favorite girl) in just a couple of months. We no longer have a rooster and I know she will get them all back this winter when she molts.

 

[semichar]

Thank you. They were picking. It was really hard to break the cycle, but once they started free ranging and after the "weakling" died from another cause, it did gradually dwindle down and stop. I thought for a little while that I was going to have to put down the aggressor, but she settled down as she matured. She is still the dominant one of the bunch but doesn't peck anyone any more. I think it was very shady of the lady who sold them to me. I'm pretty sure she knew what was going on and just didn't tell me because I told her outright that I had never had chickens before, so she knew I wouldn't know any different. Live and learn.

 

[dreamcatcherarabians]

The good news is, they moult and when they do they get all new feathers. Most of the time, if they free range, they don't pick on each other too much as long as they aren't cooped up too much of the time. For delicate creatures they surprise me with how hardy they can be with some things. I have a roo that's fixin' to lose his head if he doesn't keep his spurs off a couple of his favorites. I have them separated from him now, to give him time to find a couple new favs and see how that goes.

 

[semichar]

Forgot to mention, they are beautiful and fully feathered now. They took a short break from laying but started up again last week, to my surprise! I thought it would be a while. Once we got over the picking, things have been so much better.