URGENT! Chick losing feathers on back!

[Easter_Egger04]

Can anyone tell me why my Easter Egger chick is losing her back feathers? None of her siblings have this issue.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Looks like she is being picked on.

How many birds in the brooder or coop she is in?
What breeds are you keeping?
Ages of the birds?
How big is the enclosure?
What feed are you using including treats?
What is the date code on your feed bag?

I know there will be lots of questions but answering these can help narrow it down.

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

Looks like she is being picked on.

How many birds in the brooder or coop she is in?
What breeds are you keeping?
Ages of the birds?
How big is the enclosure?
What feed are you using including treats?
What is the date code on your feed bag?

I know there will be lots of questions but answering these can help narrow it down.

x2 definitely being picked on.

 

[PollyGirl21]

Do you have a rooster that has been breeding aggressively? That is often the cause of feather loss on a hen's back.

 

[PollyGirl21]

wait, I just realized you said they were chicks.Never mind about the rooster!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Looking very closely at her back she has a lot of feathers trying to grow back.
The other birds will be drawn to pecking at these new feathers.

You can try a no see hen saddle to hide the delicate feathers while they grow.

http://www.linnacresfarm.com/2014/04/how-to-make-simple-hen-saddleapron.html

They are very simple to make. Even an old t-shirt can be used to make one.

 

[Easter_Egger04]

Thanks everyone for the helpful ideas. She is being kept with 3 other Easter Eggers the same age as her.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Make sure you are feeding a quality starter grower feed with ~20% protein.
Limit treats to 10% or less of their daily feed.
Cover her back with a hen saddle to protect her feathers as they grow back.
Try to find ways to keep them busy.
Putting things for them to hop on in their enclosure can help.
Make sure they have extra space so no one feels crowded.
They should have at least 4sq foot in the coop and 10sq foot in the run. If possible bigger is better when it comes to chickens space.

With just 3 it is very easy to overdo treats. It creates a situation where they aren't getting everything they need. Just like a kid they will fill up on junk food and not eat dinner.