Patch of missing feathers

[marissa3014]

Hey, my two easter eggers have a patch of missing hair in the same spots, the lower back/before tail. One seems to be worse than the other and looks like she bled at some point.

Do you think it’s mites or pecking? Or something else? I have 6 chickens at 18-20 weeks old and only these two seem to have this issue for now.

Thanks!

 

[janiedoe]

I assume that you don't have a cockerel?
I'd pur a game camera in the coop to see if someone is pulling feathers.
Are you feeding a good quality feed with 18 to 20% protein? Some people switch to layer feed with less protein when they get close to laying. I leave mine on 20% grower and keep a dish of oyster shell by the nest boxes. If chickens don't have enough protein, they will pick feathers.

 

[marissa3014]

I assume that you don't have a cockerel?
I'd pur a game camera in the coop to see if someone is pulling feathers.
Are you feeding a good quality feed with 18 to 20% protein? Some people switch to layer feed with less protein when they get close to laying. I leave mine on 20% grower and keep a dish of oyster shell by the nest boxes. If chickens don't have enough protein, they will pick feathers.

 

[HylineChookChooks123]

It is probably some sort of parasite. You may need to treat her for mites, fleas or worms

 

[HylineChookChooks123]

Also, you could try putting 1/8 cup of apple cider vinegar in her water. It helps a lot.

 

[marissa3014]

@janiedoe No cockerel from what I can tell! They are on good quality grower feed but I started mixing in some layer feed a few days ago since one hen started laying.

I don’t see any pecking during the day in the run but I have noticed that they will all still try to perch on one roost at night still instead of using both. Could that be the issue?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Looks like feather picking.

How much roosting space do you have?

 

[HylineChookChooks123]

Maybe give her a few drops of liquid ivermectan?

 

[marissa3014]

Looks like feather picking.

How much roosting space do you have?

I have two roosting bars that are slightly under 4 feet long. One is slightly higher than the other. They all still try to fit on the higher bar so could they be the issue? I could adjust them to make them the same height.

Also, one is diagonal so maybe that makes them too close together? I could rearrange things to make them more parallel if you think that’s the issue!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Plucking can happen during roosting time.
Putting both at the same height may help.