question about aggresive feather picking

[nittanyxi]

I have 17 eleven month old hens. (2 bantam silkies and 15 standard- all different breeds) There are 4 of them that are being picked on. Right above their tail on their rump all the feathers are picked out exposing a round patch of skin. It's not the breeds you would expect to be picked on either. the silkies, polish and lakenvelder are all fine.

Any Ideas on how to stop this. I'm not even sure who is doing it. I know there is some sort of pecking order but I can't tell who is on top. I've never seen any bad behavior or heard and loud squaqing from a fight. I'm worried that one of them will start bleeding at the spot they are getting picked on and then eveyone will start pecking at the sore.

 

[Jake1297]

Nittanyxi,
I can't help you as I have the same problem but mine is with Guineas. I suspect it's the large male asserting his dominance. BTW mine are about 9 moths old and this happened while they were cooped up during the winter.

 

[nittanyxi]

I dont have any roosters. I didnt notice it over the winter. just since the weather is getting better and they are moving around more.

 

[Montana cluckers]

I have a SLW that has had a bare spot for about 5 months now. at first I thought it was roosters, but we got rid of all but one bantam cochin. Now some of my RIRs are starting to have feathers missing,too. I can't figure out who's doing it, either. I'm not sure what to do about it. any ideas?