Rooster is losing feathers on back of neck...

[grnidone]

As I understand, when a chicken molts, they lose feathers on the front of their neck and their bellies. My rooster is losing feathers on the back of his neck and nowhere else.

It is a two chicken flock: one rooster and one hen.

I checked my Roo over and he doesn't appear to have any parasites: his skin on his body and around his vent is clear and looks good.

What could this be?

 

[Eggcessive]

How old is he exactly? It could be the start of moting, but many times feather loss is due to another chicken picking out feathers and eating them. Some do it while hanging around on roosts or out in the chicken yard. Look around in the coop for feathers which may point to a molt. How much room do they have, and what are you feeding?

 

[grnidone]

He is 2 this year. And, I am feeding regular chicken feed (non-egg laying), with whole corn, oil seed sunflower seeds, and meat grindings. There are feathers all over the place.

But, the only place he's losing feathers is in the one place. I'm a bit concerned since it's getting to be the cold season.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

I think your chickens are bored, and the hen or maybe even the roo himself is plucking them. I found this great article on things that can help prevent boredom in a flock, and also tells you some bad things that can happen when you don't entertain them. I followed the instructions and my flock is very happy!

 

[grnidone]

>bored

Oh God. I feel terrible! I'll implement some of these things pronto....Thanks.

 

[Eggcessive]

Usually if there are feathers everywhere, that would point to molting. Feather pickers usually eat the feathers. Can you post any pictures of the feather loss? How do his tail feathers look?
If it is feather picking, then over crowding, boredom from not getting out to roam, and a lack of getting enough protein in their chicken feed are some of the possible problems.