What's wrong with our Barred Rocks?

[Henneth]

We have 8 chickens: 4 Barred Rocks, 2 Australorps, and 2 Sapphire Gems. All 4 Barred Rocks have some signs of something wrong with their back feathers, toward the base of their tails. The attached photos are the worst case with one of them. The other breeds have no signs of this at all. All have the same feed, living conditions, etc. Does anyone know what this may be and how to help? Thanks!

 

[Chicken_tiger_catt]

We have 8 chickens: 4 Barred Rocks, 2 Australorps, and 2 Sapphire Gems. All 4 Barred Rocks have some signs of something wrong with their back feathers, toward the base of their tails. The attached photos are the worst case with one of them. The other breeds have no signs of this at all. All have the same feed, living conditions, etc. Does anyone know what this may be and how to help? Thanks!
View attachment 3921940View attachment 3921941

Do you have any roosters?

 

[Henneth]

Do you have any roosters?

Hi. No, just hens.

 

[nuthatched]

Diet?
What space do they have? For how many birds?

 

[Grind Hard Farm]

Could be stress. Could be the other hens mounting

 

[Henneth]

Diet?
What space do they have? For how many birds?

They have a coop 8'x8' with roosts along the walls, and a fenced run 20'x8'. There are 8 birds. I feed them a non-GMO pellet and grain mixed layer feed.

 

[Henneth]

Could be stress. Could be the other hens mounting

I've seen some of this - but the feathers look sort of frizzy in the area on their backs before the bald spots start.

 

[nuthatched]

They have a coop 8'x8' with roosts along the walls, and a fenced run 20'x8'. There are 8 birds. I feed them a non-GMO pellet and grain mixed layer feed.

What's the protein? Are you adding the grains or is it part of the feed?

 

[Eggcessive]

Are you feeding a scratch and peck type feed? Those can cause a protein or vitamin mineral deficiency, because most chickens will pick and chose their favorite parts. A homogenous balance crumble or pellet feed is less likely to do that. Feather picking can be caused by overcrowding, boredom from not getting out to free range, a protein or other deficiency, and some breeds can be more aggressive. Spend some time at various times of the day to figure out who is doing what. Try giving some higher protein treats, and you can put a few things of interest (a swing, blocks of wood, or a large piece of grass and sod) in the run to occupy their time.

 

[Henneth]

What's the protein? Are you adding the grains or is it part of the feed?

The grains are part of the feed. I give them a handful of dried meal worms or soldier fly larva in their feed also.