What’s happening to their feathers?!

[CrystalsChickens]

Hello, I am new to chicken raising and my hens are now about 9 months old. I came out today and noticed that 4 of my 7 girls are now missing the fluffy feathers below their vent areas. Not around the vent itself. But below it. They are laying fine, eating and appear happy. It has been around 20 degrees here for the past several days which is odd for our area. Normally warmer here. I don’t see them pecking each other. I keep the coop clean and the run always has layer pellets and fresh water available. I don’t see any of the feathers on the ground…what could be causing this? Do I need to worry?

 

[sourland]

One or more of the flock mates are feather pecking/plucking them. Generally it is one of the birds that is in perfect feather.

 

[CrystalsChickens]

One or more of the flock mates are feather pecking/plucking them. Generally it is one of the birds that is in perfect feather.

How do I get this to stop? As of now there is no wound but I know it can get worse. Their run is covered and about 22’ x 10’ so it is plenty big enough for 7 hens to get along.

 

[sybonbon]

How do I get this to stop? As of now there is no wound but I know it can get worse. Their run is covered and about 22’ x 10’ so it is plenty big enough for 7 hens to get along.

I'd love to know also. I was thinking if covering the bare skin with something to disguise the bare skin like diaper rash cream or zinc oxide. Any thoughts?

 

[Myrshine]

Most likely getting picked at by other flock members. I would also check for lice or mites just in case. You can choose to separate both in a dog crate in the coop so they don’t get picked on, but are within the flock so they won’t be bullied if they had gotten taken away. Give them extra protein for feather growth