Red Neck/Losing Feathers

[shelsrun]

Hello.

We've had our backyard chickens for a year so I'm fairly new to this. Our rhode island red has been losing feathers on her neck and back of her head/neck. I first thought it was molting but it's been a few months now. Some feathers are starting to grow back. I'm worried there has been pecking but haven't noticed any. Since spring I've been letting them outside of the coop more so they don't get bored.

Any thoughts on if this is pecking or something else? Here are a few photos. Thanks!

 

[sourland]

Looks like grooming that has progressed to feather pecking/plucking. Are there other birds in the flock with feather loss? If so, the bird in the flock that is in perfect feather is probably the culprit.

 

[Eggcessive]

It is probably a combination of molting and some of the new feather shafts are being pecked out by others. Getting outside more, placing some things to explore and climb on to prevent boredom can help. You can also give some extra protein with a 20% flock raiser type feed or add a little tuna and scrambled egg to the diet. What are you feeding now?

 

[shelsrun]

It is probably a combination of molting and some of the new feather shafts are being pecked out by others. Getting outside more, placing some things to explore and climb on to prevent boredom can help. You can also give some extra protein with a 20% flock raiser type feed or add a little tuna and scrambled egg to the diet. What are you feeding now?

Thank you! We are feeding just a simple organic poultry feed from Green Mountain, mixed with some grit. I will try to add some protein. I've been keeping the girls outside more.

 

[nuthatched]

Thank you! We are feeding just a simple organic poultry feed from Green Mountain, mixed with some grit. I will try to add some protein. I've been keeping the girls outside more.

Most organic feeds lack protein, if it has 17%, you should be ok but some high production breeds need more protein.