something is plucking tail feathers!

[Chickenkate17]

I lock my girls up in the coop every night and we haven't had any issues with pests or predators. This morning, my SS Penny, was missing a bunch of tail feathers, like they had been plucked. She wasn't bleeding or hurt in any other way, but I'm wonder what may have done this. My boyfriend said rats....but I don't think so....Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[Americana]

Maybe one of the other hens plucked them

 

[snipercp]

its other chickens with me.

 

[7L Farm]

Chickens are cannibals. They will & do eat eat each other one feather at a time.

 

[southerndesert]

Agreed and rats are not feather puckers though they will chew them off to take home to the nest. They will also chew on toes and combs given the opportunity, in this case though I also think your other hens are the likely culprit.