Picking on each other?

[Bees@62]

Hi I'm Forest AKA Bees@62
I have two hens that have got along for several months. I have a Rhode Red mix that is losing feathers on her back, towards her tail. Today I caught my Barred Rock pecking her in that spot. I thought at first the red was molting, now not so sure. Any suggestions?
Thanks

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're thrilled that you decided to join us Check out your girl very closely. Can you also post a picture? It could be blood feathers, or she might be injured as well. Typically, I would suggest blu-kote but not sure under theses circumstances and would like someone with more experience weigh in.

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to Backyardchickens.com aka BYC!
We are glad you joined our flock.
Jump right in and make yourself at home.
Double check for bugs on the birds too, but it does sound like 'picking.'
This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:

http://articles.extension.org/pages/69065/feeding-chickens-for-egg-production

 

[N F C]

A photo would be helpful if you can post one.

 

[Bees@62]

I'm hoping this pic uploads

Hi and welcome to BYC We're thrilled that you decided to join us Check out your girl very closely. Can you also post a picture? It could be blood feathers, or she might be injured as well. Typically, I would suggest blu-kote but not sure under theses circumstances and would like someone with more experience weigh in.

Hi and welcome to BYC We're thrilled that you decided to join us Check out your girl very closely. Can you also post a picture? It could be blood feathers, or she might be injured as well. Typically, I would suggest blu-kote but not sure under theses circumstances and would like someone with more experience weigh in.

Hi and welcome to BYC We're thrilled that you decided to join us Check out your girl very closely. Can you also post a picture? It could be blood feathers, or she might be injured as well. Typically, I would suggest blu-kote but not sure under theses circumstances and would like someone with more experience weigh in.

 

[OneMountainAcres]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you've joined us! What are you feeding your girls? You could try to up the protien a bit to see if that stops the picking. You could also spray your balding girl's spot with blue kote to make it less noticeable. Less noticeable should = less picking.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC

I would have expected feather loss towards the back of the head if it was pecking Have you checked them for lice or mites? I'd be inclined to separate them for the time being and treat, any breaks in the skin, as mentioned above. Whatever is going on, it's obviously bringing unwanted attention from the other bird, which is likely to get worse.

If it's not moulting or lice / mites, and you feel that it may be feather pecking, here are some resources that may be helpful

Feather pecking

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1148824/topic-of-the-week-feather-pecking-eating

http://articles.extension.org/pages...nibalism-in-small-and-backyard-poultry-flocks

 

[micstrachan]

I would say definitely feather picking. Take care with that, as it can lead to cannibalism. You can fit the affrected girl with a saddle and/or separate the picker. Good luck!

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[sourland]

I would say definitely feather picking. Take care with that, as it can lead to cannibalism. You can fit the affrected girl with a saddle and/or separate the picker. Good luck!

Viable suggestions. Hen is molting and feathers are regrowing - now is the time to 'protect' them.