New member (chicken missing feathers!)

[KerryCooks]

Hi there.
I’m new to raising chickens, I moved into a place where 4 already were living. No one knows what their ages are or how long they’ll continue to lay eggs, so it’s a guessing game.
I also don’t know their breeds. I’ll plan to post some more photos of the girls.

Specifically, I’m concerned about my smallest girl, Bennie. None of the rest of the girls are losing feathers right now and it doesn’t seem to be molting season. But she has three major bald spots. Not only that but the spots look bloody! I’m so worried about her. I’m attaching photos, any info and advice appreciated.

Thanks so much!

Best,
Kerry

 

[sourland]

Do you have a rooster? If so it may be damage from mating. Bare under portion of her neck makes me thing that another bird/birds are feather pecking/plucking her.

 

[chrissynemetz]

Welcome to BYC Kerry!
If all four of your chickens look like the one pictured they're hens.
How much room do they have?

 

[DobieLover]

Hello, Kerry, and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

 

[CluckerFamily]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[416bigbore]

Hello Kerry and welcome to BYC, You found an Amazing Poultry Community to be a part of with many great knowledgeable members, who are more then willing to jump in and help you along your journey with any questions you may have.

Best of of luck and please keep us posted.

 

[janiedoe]

Hi Kerry, welcome to BYC!
If you can place a camera in the coop, you'll most likely find your bully. I do agree that you should check them over for lice too.
Space, or lack thereof, on the roost could be an issue too. They need around a foot each on the roost at night. The more room they have both day and night the more harmonious their relations will be.
Best of luck with your flock and congratulations on your new home!

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to BYC. It would be great if you could observe the birds without being seen, to discover just what is happening . If you discover another bird causing this damage to her, I would put "pinless peepers," on the culprit. That should stop the damage/attacks.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. Take a look at this link -Feather pecking. This link may help you navigate the site - “How to...” guides

Chat with other BYC members nearby using the links in my signature, below (turn your phone to landscape to see them).Make yourself at home and enjoy the forums.

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[DobieLover]

So I've actually noticed the two large black ones are sleeping inside their nest. Like where they lay eggs! Those two seem to be the bullies, generally. I'll see them being food aggressive with the blonde and red one. I didn't build the coop, someone who raises chickens often did, but there are two sleeping poles that are maybe 4-5 feet long each. When I first moved in, I thought the chickens were always sleeping on their poles, but now the two big black ones seem to be sleeping in the nest regularly. Have you ever experienced this? There's really only space for two chickens in the nest at a time, so the two black ones sort of bogart that space all night, I guess. Perhaps it's an additional bully move?

How would I check them over for lice? What do they look like? And if they do have it, what do I do??

The chickens aren't super approachable, the only one that will let me touch her is the biggest bully, and she sort of squats down when I come near. Bennie, the red one with the bald spots, doesn't let me come near to her at all.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

It sounds like it's been going on for a while unaddressed. The coop may have design flaws and they may need more space and/or more enrichment in the space.
Please start a new thread HERE and include pictures of your entire setup including the inside of the coop for suggestions on what you can do to improve the birds living situation.
These are PINLESS PEEPERS.

You put them on the birds beak and it basically prevents the from being able to see well enough to bully their victims but they can still eat and scratch around. They stay on for about 2 months before you take them off to see if they will leave their victim alone. Addressing the cause is important. These will help break the habit and if they've been provided with a proper environment, they will seek out appropriate behaviors vs resuming bullying.