Why is my RIR plucking her feathers?

[linseylew4409]

She's 23 weeks old and plucking the feather out on her back. I've read that it could be lack of protein, but I'm using Ranch Pro 15% Egg Ration Crumbles isn't that is good enough? She's not molting. She's got plenty of room - I've only got 5 chickens and lots of space. There are no mites or anything on her skin. The other chickens are perfectly fine. What's up with her?

 

[Birdlife99]

Hi
I know that all kinds of birds pluck their feathers when they feel stressed. Is there anything at all you could think of that might be worrying her?

 

[linseylew4409]

It has been 99-104 degrees lately, but I've been giving then ice water and they have a fan.

 

[bloonskiller911]

sounds like molting to me, why do you say she is not?

 

[ETHAN210]

It could be lice because ice chew on a chicken causeing the chicken to to break or pull off its feathers trying to stop the irritation. chickens with louse don't lay well and you can see the straw colores pest crawl along the chickens skin.

 

[linseylew4409]

I don't think she's molting because it is only one spot that is missing feathers. There is no lice, I checked. It's not really a bad problem, I just don't want it to get worse.

 

[thehickchick]

Hmmmmm..... Maybe some of the others have gone cannibal. For now, you can use a product called vet RX to soften the skin and promote feather growth. Maybe she's just a slow molter....? Best of luck.

 

[linseylew4409]

Thanks!

 

[Birdlife99]

Doesn't sound like malting to me, as they usually start around their neck. I would just go with the vet RX at the moment, and hopefully it will improve soon