We are in lower Michigan and it is still cold, so they need their feathers. I noticed some of my hens lost feathers on their backs by the tail and acouple of them on the underside. They seem to be growing back on the backs but not the bellies. I checked for parasites and didn't find any. They still lay their eggs,eat, drink and sratch, none of them act sick. Then today I noticed that my head rooster was pulling out feathers when they were eating. Does anyone know why and what I should do about it? Anything would be helpful. Thank You.

If you paint a little pine tar on the area being picked, your rooster (and anyone else) will quit doing this. I have to do this to one of our hens here in Upper Michigan in the morning. It's a common thing, but I don't know why they do it to some, and not to others. The term "pecking order" comes to mind here.

Thanks for that info. I was getting alittle worried, He's a good rooster, gaurds the hens faithfully and I didn't want to end up getting rid of him. But I couldn't allow him to continue pulling out the feathers. I will get some right away. Thank You

Can anyone tell me why my chickens are pecking each other to the point of rawness? They have plenty of room,good feed (they aren't hungry) and don't seem to be stressed. Are they lacking some vitiam or mineral? HELP!

I've heard that if you have buy some sort of iron you can melt off the very front portion of your roosters beak and this will prevent him from pecking the hens feathers. Has anyone else heard about this? and would you know where to pick up such a device? Also where can you get pine tar?

your rooster might be doing these because lack of vitemans and nutrients , feathers contain lots of protien are the hens doing these as well?

Our rooster pulls them out when he breeds them, will they grow back? He has been seperated for the time being.

The feathers on the head that get pulled during breeding will grow back, if given a chance. Yes take the rooster away, if this is important. Over the years, I have had only 2 or 3 what I would call feather-pickers. I think it is an acquired habit by individual birds--it doesn't seem to be "catching", just an occasional bird that does it. It may begin as a courting gesture. The hen or cock that has the hackles pulled seems to tolerate it without any objection. I see the ones that did it, roosting side by side on the day roost. I did not keep birds that do it and warned the purchaser. Changing cocks probably will help,if you keep breeding pens. Sure can make a dazzling hackle look like a tramp. CJR

Thanks, it's not just the feathers on the head it is also the saddle. One hen already appears to be growing new feathers, the other I'm not so sure, but I am hopeful.

Jtweb, The saddle feathers are scratched off by the roosters toenails when they "tramp" the hen. These, too, will grow back, but can make the hen very sore and raw, if she doesn't have a good rest from him. If you are not saving eggs for hatching, just move the rooster out of the pen--and peace will reign. You might even get more eggs! This is not considered "feather picking". Real feather-pickers sit and pull feathers out deliberately, usually hackle feathers, a bad habit and unacceptable with birds you want in beautiful plumage. CJR

Does anyone know where I can find some Pine Tar that is safe for my flock? All I can find is Pine Tar that is labeled "Harmful or Fatal if swallowed". I live in North Central Wisconsin. Thank You.

My hens and rooster have lost feathers due to being pulled out by other flock members. The "saddle area" on all my hens are completely bare and their rump areas as well. When a bird bends over to eat or drink, the others will pick a feather or two off. They look terrible, but are still laying exceptionally well for the hot weather. They continue to eat and drink and scratch as normal. Are they missing something? Should I be giving them something extra besides feed, corn, and green stuff? Any help would be appreciated.