plucked feathers/bald spot near tail on my wyandottes

[jackvosney]

Hello, Im new here thought id start i with a medical issue! I have 2 wyandottes which have the same issue, they have a bald spot/plucked feathers near there tail as shown in the picture. Both were my first layers, i have 6 other chickens, 4 austarlorpes, 1 Rhode Island red and a white leghorn. I haven't seen them pecking at the wyandottes and the wyandottes seem to stand up for them selves so im not sure its the other hens causing this. Is this self inflicted? Please help!!!

Thanks
Jack

 

[ChickenDoodleDo]

I have a Silver Laced Wyandotte that looks EXACTLY like that! Same bald spot. She's been that since I got her about a month ago.

 

[Barb302]

I have an Americuana with the same kind of spot.

 

[krcote]

Grab a chair and a beverage and spend an hour watching your birds. You will find you have a feather picker or two in the group. The key is giving them enough time and space to go back to their business and do what they would normally do if you weren't watching. Betcha it's pickin' some butts!

 

[jackvosney]

Thanks i will do that! If that is the problem is there anything i can do about it and do i need to worry about it other than the appearance?

 

[krcote]

There's not a ton you can do but try to keep them busy. Besides free ranging there isn't anything that will keep them busy enough over time though. Once one or more has the picking habbit it's nearly impossible to break. Some folks try clipping beaks, applying peepers (which are like blinders), putting something sticky or bad tasting on the birds being picked. I have found rehoming (or processing) the pickers are the only permanent solutions. Having a naked butt isn't really an issue unless you live some place cold like I do. Also, some pickers are crazy enough to cause bleeding and then there is a frenzy and the poor naked bleeding bird usually gets pecked by the whole flock. I gave 3 offenders to a friend who free ranges 24/7 and there is no longer an issue. Her birds can come and go from her barn and are busy all day! Good luck!

 

[jackvosney]

Thank you very much for the info!

Cheers
Jack