Thought She Was Moulting... Now Not Sure!

[anbhean]

Hi,

I haven't posted in a while but I have a question and the info I searched on has me confused. I have a 1 yr old Barred Rock who lost the majority of the feathers on her rear about a month and a half ago. Some have grown back, others haven't and others have fallen out. But her rear, for all intents and purposes looks somewhat plucked. I assumed she was moulting, especially after my Delaware (same age) also started loosing some rear feathers, not not even half as many. But now I read that they aren't supposed to have bald patches when moulting? So if her butt looks like someone plucked her... is it not moulting?

I've seen no indication of mites, or pests. No lack in eating, no listlessness, no pale comb etc. She's even laying at least every other day. Any suggestions if it's not moulting?

 

[bgelber]

Her or one of your other girls could be plucking them out.

 

[FireTigeris]

If you have a rooster they might be 'over romanced'...

 

[anbhean]

No rooster. I wonder if my more fluffy and pushy of the trio is plucking the other two. Hadn't even thought of that. I'll keep a closer eye on them and see what's up. Any way to stop that once it's started? Not sure if a stern face and a "bad chicken" comment will deter such behavior.