Need advice because I can't tell! Does my Buff O have mites?

[chuckun]

I did not consider that she might have been pecked - maybe it's happening at night because they range during the day where we can see them, and I haven't seen anyone bully her. I will definitely get her something to deter the pecking.

I guess I've been worrying about the wrong thing. Thank you very much, Frostic.

 

[The Happster]

Feather picking would definitely be the next thing, if not mites.
What protein percentage does your feed have?

 

[sourland]

Flock mates are feather pecking/plucking her - generally the bird in the flock with the most perfect feathering is the culprit.

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

That looks a bit nasty. Looks like someone has been bullied.

 

[chuckun]

So looking at photos from a year ago I realize that while she has had this bald spot before she hadn't always and I just didn't get it. I feel like an idiot. This hen Blondie is one of my strongest personalities and I've seen her bully others in the past. She is my broodiest so for Mother's Day a year ago I got her 3 chicks to raise and she did such a wonderful job! Now they are grown and they are turning on her. I suspect one in particular, and yes, Sourland, she does have the fluffiest booty of all. We call her Kanye. (See attached photos). Blondie is obviously the BO age 6, and the chick she raised is a Lakeshore Egger.

What protein percentage does your feed have?

I give them H and H Feed which has 19% protein, although they get mealy worms regularly, maybe too often? The other treats they get are veggies, grains, some scratch, yogurt with garlic and honey. No meat or eggs. They eat their own shells from the compost.

Thanks for all the excellent observations. Blondie is one of my two favorites; I raised them from a brooder so they have bonded with us. But her kids are brats!

 

[Jersey giant lover]

I'm glad it wasn't mites