Neck feathers

[Roli]

I have noticed my cockerels being rough with my hens. Started seeing feathers missing on the tops of their heads and scabs in their combs from them (presumably from witnessing mating) then I started to notice some of them are missing feathers in odd spots. Their necks the front and sides (I did see this particularly bird get pecked there). I then saw the same bird peck another hens back. My birds have a dust bath with peet moss and DE. They also get apple cider vinegar from time to time in their waterer. They get locally grown organic grain and vegetables/fruits almost daily. I had only introduced two hens about 1 month ago and one of them had some back feathers missing and I was told and presumed this was due to her being a roosters favorite. Anyone have any idea what would cause beck feathers back feather And head feathers missing ? Thanks in advance guys.

 

[Chickinie]

Take some pictures and post please.

I'd say it's got to be from birds pecking birds or rooster behaviour.

 

[Roli]

Take some pictures and post please.

I'd say it's got to be from birds pecking birds or rooster behaviour.

I will try to get better pictures later but I have these two.

I suspect the young cockerel in the picture to be a primary suspect he’s been rather rough with the ladies lately.

 

[Chickinie]

Hmm.. it's weird that their missing on the front of its neck... pecking chickens usually go for the back of the head, etc. Try get some better pictures later.

When taking photos through wire you have to have the camera lens really close to the wire and in the middle of the wire square/shapes, especially with good autofocus cameras, they tend to try and take macro shots.

Do you think your chooks could just be going through a moult?

 

[Roli]

Hmm.. it's weird that their missing on the front of its neck... pecking chickens usually go for the back of the head, etc. Try get some better pictures later.

When taking photos through wire you have to have the camera lens really close to the wire and in the middle of the wire square/shapes, especially with good autofocus cameras, they tend to try and take macro shots.

Do you think your chooks could just be going through a moult?

I did see one of the cockerels peck at her neck and then her back feathers. Thanks for the info!

I also noticed the tops close to the combs on a couple of my hens were bald. I figured that was from the rough cockerels

 

[Roli]

Bump

 

[Chickinie]

Are you sure she isn't just moulting. My chickens usually get random bare patches when they do, like the patch on your chooks back. And my rooster last moult had much of the feathers around his head gone - not as noticeable as your hens, though. Maybe the hens are just curious pecking. Usually rough roosters make the feathers look messed up too - broken and worn - not just missing.