Tail feathers missing

[ecocheapomom]

So I was out much of the day today and left the chickens in the run since we don't let them free range unless we are right here. I came home this evening and they were out in the yard and DH said he didn't let them out. So that is one mystery. I guess I will assume I might not have locked the run since everyone is fine, although I highly doubt it.
However, when I was getting everyone inside I noticed that one of our 13 week old New Hampshire's was missing all of her tail feathers. There are a bunch of the dark feathers scattered around the run area, but do they lose those and could it happen all in one day? Do I have a pecking problem on my hands? I picked her up and checked her out and she seemed fine. No one was shaken up as if something tried to get them. What do you think?

 

[backdoorchicken]

my 15 week old EE's did the same thing. i think it might be normal but i would like to know the truth also.

 

[mrbstephens]

My EE did it too. After a week I can see her new tail feathers growing in.

 

[patandchickens]

There's a good chance it's the very beginning of a picking problem *at the same time as* a molt -- they get worse about that when they're molting, presumably because they're a) itchy grumpy and b) in need of protein. You might keep a close eye on them so that if any blood appears you can step in; and see if you can give them some extra protein, and something extra to do with their time (like picking through produce scraps, or whatever)

Good luck,

pat