Wondering if some of you more seasoned Chicken Marshals can tell me what to do about my RIR that started in November with a small patch of missing feathers on the top of her head to now she has a white streak with no red feathers. Her Comb has been picked away in spots. I am assuming one of my other hens are nibbling at her. No blood or skin showing yet. Help going bald. Thanks.
Pecking and cannibalism is usually caused by boredom, over crowding, and lack of animal protein in the feed. Once it starts, it can become habitual. Is this bird also at the bottom of the pecking order? It isn't called that for nothing.
Welcome to BYC. Not sure. Do you have any rooster in the pen with her. I had a frizzle that lost a lot of her head feather, cause the rooster would hold on to those during breeding. Could you post a pic? That may help.
You might post a picture of her for better diagnosis. However I agree with others here, it sounds like either aggression or the work of a rooster. You might separate the rooster out for a while to give her a chance to heal up and also expand on their living space so the hens are not so crowded in. Birds get frustrated when they don't have enough room and pic on each other. Once they see bare skin, they go after it. You might spray on some Blu-kote which will hide the area of bare skin and also help prevent infection. You can also purchase a hen saddle on line to protect the hens from the roosters. Great to have you aboard and enjoy BYC!
