Plucking or molting in face of Ameraucana

[charlotte-and-the-bees]

Hello! Our Ameraucana/Faverolle mix has had bare cheeks for a few months now. She’s not quite a year old and the only full size of our flock. I’d say she’s 1st or 2nd in pecking order (alternates) but they’re all pretty docile. I thought it was a molt at first, but reading from others on here it sounds like it’s totally possible the other ladies have plucked her cheeks bare. That said, it surprised me a little because she’s way taller than the rest + she’s one of the top hens. She’s also not the only one with a muff but the only one missing any feathers. Anyone else experience a molt like this with their pullets around a year, or likely plucking? (No mites FYI, I do a lot of preventative and check them all the time).

 

[rosemarythyme]

The others are grooming her to the point where her face has been stripped bare, as muffs/beards tend to pick up food particles. It's more of a social thing and not a bullying/pecking order issue. Shouldn't bother her any and she'll regrow them after next molt.

 

[Jenessa_096]

I agree, how is she doing now?

 

[charlotte-and-the-bees]

I agree, how is she doing now?

Still naked face. Waiting for her first molt.

 

[Jenessa_096]

O

Still naked face. Waiting for her first molt.

Ah