Pullet feathers?

[aart]

Is it possible that they do not have mites but have lost feathers due to stress or others pecking at them? I noticed they peck each others butts a lot....

Absolutely possible.
Can be due to crowding and/or low nutrition(especially animal protein).

 

[hihuckleberry]

ugh its just so difficult to figure out what's wrong! They seem otherwise happy! 3 chickens to 9x12ft coop, with free ranging a few times a week. seems like plenty of room!

 

[aart]

ugh its just so difficult to figure out what's wrong! They seem otherwise happy! 3 chickens to 9x12ft coop, with free ranging a few times a week. seems like plenty of room!

Did you raise these birds from chicks?
What and how exactly are you feeding?
You should still thoroughly check them for bugs.

 

[hihuckleberry]

no I didn't, I bought them a few weeks ago. They are 6-8months old. They are new and I'm new to raising chickens. I am feeding a mixed organic layer feed, oats, barley, fresh vegetables, they also eat grass and weeds in the yard. I can't really check them because they don't let me pick them up. I read something about a garlic spray, would you recommend that?

 

[aart]

Don't treat until you know whether you need to or not.
..and if they do have bugs, garlic spray will be make them smell like garlic.

Grab the bird off the roost at night, easier to catch
You need to learn to handle the birds.
Read this post again.

What's the protein percentage of the layer feed?
Should be on a tag sewn into bottom of bag.
The other foods maybe be diluting the nutrition in the layer feed.