Pullet losing feathers under her wattles

[feathermaid]

Not an emergency, but I don't know if I should be concerned. Well I am concerned, I just don't want her to be hurting or unhealthy and wonder what's causing it. She's a 10½ month old Blue Wyandotte.

The only thing I think it could be from is chafing from the feeders, which are made of PVC pipes and they have to reach a ways inside. Could that be pulling her feathers off? I've been using this type of feeder for almost 3 years and it doesn't seem to affect any other chickens and the opening is smooth. It doesn't seem like a natural molt and I haven't seen noticeable pecking from other birds, especially in that odd spot. Thoughts?

 

[sourland]

In addition to the missing feathers, I notice that many of her neck feathers are broken. Given that she is growing/has pin feathers I sort of doubt that someone is feather plucking her - although that may be happening. Perhaps she is somehow breaking them off on the feeder ? Other than the broken and missing feathers she appears to be in fine condition.

 

[feathermaid]

In addition to the missing feathers, I notice that many of her neck feathers are broken. Given that she is growing/has pin feathers I sort of doubt that someone is feather plucking her - although that may be happening. Perhaps she is somehow breaking them off on the feeder ? Other than the broken and missing feathers she appears to be in fine condition.

I know, poor thing looks terrible!
Is the skin normally always that red in that area (under the feathers)? It looks so sore, but doesn't seem swollen. I wonder if I should apply antibiotic ointment? Or Blu-Kote? I don't have any but could get some tomorrow. Or just leave it be?

The feeder did used to sit a bit higher and I recently lowered it when I first noticed some feather thinning. But now it's become even more apparent and red. I'll have to keep a closer watch for someone pecking her. But doesn't that seem like a strange target?

 

[blackandtan]

Is there maybe a hole in your fence that she has found and is reaching out for grass or bugs or something?

 

[feathermaid]

Is there maybe a hole in your fence that she has found and is reaching out for grass or bugs or something?

I will definitely go out and look for something like that. But as far as I know... wait--
they free range in my backyard frequently and I have a few plants encircled with hardware cloth to try and protect them. I wonder if she could be reaching over the wire to munch on the heuchera plants?
But the other birds don't have any damage on their necks at all.

 

[Farm life101]

This is how my bantam rooster looks rn. Just started happening 3 weeks ago but he’s fine besides that. I think it’s just having a small molt maybe??? but I have no clue what else it could be.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Some birds go through a partial neck molt in the early spring. This may be what your hen is doing.

 

[feathermaid]

Thanks everyone! It just looks like it hurts. At least her feathers are growing back so hopefully before long she'll be back to normal