[Mitchf]

Hi I have 2 ex battery brown hens that are losing feathers, they are being plucked out either by themselves or another chicken.
I have dusted the hens for red mite and deep clean and disinfected the coop. Its only the brown ones that are losing the feathers, the frizzel bantam, the black one and the cockerel (plus the 3 chicklets) are fine.
I'm not sure but I think the cockerel is pulling them out, has anyone else found this or have anyone else had similar issues, if so what the cure...they are beginning to look very sorry for themselves.

[Aunt Sally]

Are you sure that they're not moulting ?

[Mitchf]

I don't think so. they don't pluck themselves bare do they? Its the first year with them..so I don't know

[Aunt Sally]

They can get pretty naked in places 

[Mitchf]

Blimey...I know chickens aren't the most clever animals but pulling out your feathers before winter is really daft,

[Nails]

most of my chooks look awful at the moment, where they are moulting!!! Won't be long before they all look lovely again

[joyfull]

my garden and the coops look like somebody has been having pillow fights 

[Bantymad]

Mine to are having first molt, my poor little barnvelder (not sure if thats correct name or spelling) is nearly bald all over. Can see the new feathers comming through though bless her.

[joyfull]

best to get their moults done now rather than wait until the snow and frosts come like often happens