rooster picking out back feathers

[Rhaena]

Hi,
My rooster has picked out his back feathers - the feathers at the base of his back. I assume that he is picking his own feathers...maybe not. I have a lot of trouble with my hens picking their neck feathers out. I have searched for mites and don't see anything crawling on them. I do see a lot of white specks on them at night when I look with a flashlight but nothing moving. I figure the white specks are dirt? Any suggestions.
Thanks.

 

[ivan3]

Are there any raw areas on any of them (broken skin)? Could be moulting. However, crowding/diet are the most common causes of actual incessant picking.

As far as pests: If you don't have a lighted loupe x10-20 mag. pick one up. That way you can ID those `spots'. Just a good tool to have around for chook exams.