Thin feathers behind earlobes?

[Sher1015]

Hello,
I noticed that this girl has got missing feathers (same on both sides) behind her earlobes. She’s a little over a year old. No sign of pests, others look fine. We use sand in the run, which I scoop regularly. Run is covered and stays dry. Thoughts? I always want them to be healthy and happy, of course, but we’re taking a vacation in a couple of weeks, and I want to be sure I’m leaving a healthy flock for our sitter!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

If she's not scratching due to lice or mites, she's being plucked. Sometimes birds with a bit of beard or muff get plucked by others.

 

[Sher1015]

Ok, thanks. I haven’t seen evidence of that, either. Just four in my small flock. Maybe I’ll err on the side of caution and do a dose of Elector.