Discussions

So some of my whiteleghorns are losing feathers, but only on their necks. At first I thought that they were just pecking each other, so I applied stop-pick to some of the birds. However they have not improved and it’s been about a week. It’s only in my leghorns.  
 
Note: it’s not blood it’s stop-pick

At first I thought molting but by the look of your picture I don’t think so. Possibly mites or lice

Maybe the other chickens are doing it. Mine have done this, not this bad. I have seen them plucking the neck feathers and eating them. If it is the other birds, they need more protein. I have had to give my birds extra supplements this winter.

When I have dealt with mites and lice, they seem to be around the vent or under the wings. Not saying this isn’t the case.

I agree, it doesn't look like molting, but the season will soon be here. Mine seem to molt when it is cold out. Go figure.  
 
If it is mites or lice, you will see them around the perimeter of that area, on the head & under the wings and under the tail too. Mites will look black. As for lice, you will see the egg cases at the bottom of feather shafts. Lice will be very busy trying to hide in the feathers. They are fast. Funny thing is, I think that all your birds should be showing these signs if they are in close proximity. Even if you find some, don't assume your problem is solved. You could be having more problems than just bugs.  
 
I would still go with the pecking idea, especially since it is your layers only. I had layers that would either go for the neck or tail area. One of those birds still looks like a naked neck. The feathers didn't grow back on her. She looks like your picture, just a little worse yet, but now healed.  
 
I removed the picked on ones for healing (the picking got bad fast) and treated wounds with honey, which is a great healer. I watched for the perpetrator & removed the most obvious two. I still watched for trouble in the rest. I only put them all back together after I added a "law & order chicken" (2 paragraphs down).  
 
Layers often will go after each other and when they do, they are vicious. I don't know how Stop Peck would really help since it appears to be red. Chickens love pecking red (and new) things. I have read that special applications (like Stop Peck) don't always work. Blood & feathers are full of protein, and they may be letting you know that they need more protein. They will keep at it until they kill each other.  
 
If they are pecking, I would introduce a larger mature, confident and no-nonsense rooster or large no-nonsense hen to introduce order (both worked for me with some cannibalistic hens). Just dump it in there. I used jersey giants in both cases (because I have them) and they worked well. Watch the newcomer closely for at least the first week. Watch for any sign of getting picked on. See if they are standing up to the purpetrators successfully. Mine both did well at restoring order. I haven't had an issue since.  
 
I would also give some extra protein (free choice). I know some people who give meat, under supervision, twice a week.  
 
Introducing some "toys" might help with boredom. Winter can get long if you are always cooped up. No pun intended initially.  
 
How is their space? Could it be that they need more?  
 
I would troubleshoot all of the things above. Good luck, and let me know (on here or by PM) how things are going. Finding this sort of thing can be very offsetting.  
 
I can also recommend a good Canadian poultry forum where you can ask questions if you would like to ask on there too. Just let me know. They have been a great help to me over the years.

I have nothing helpful to add, except that this has been a really interesting thread so far and I've learned lots about chickens I never knew!!  
 
Hope you figure it out! Poor chicken.

Good to hear! Learning should never end. Chickens can be very interesting.  
 
I am still always learning when it comes to our farm animals. I don't think you can ever truly be a know everything "expert". A true expert never stops learning!

I to find it very interesting good info

keep us updated on their progress of getting better .  
good luck

Did you know that one time chicken had glasses.

Thanks, I’ll be sure to check into all of those things. If it does happen to be bugs, what’s your preferred treatment?

They are known as chicken blinders or pinless peepers. Pinned blinders are not considered humane.  
 
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=:chicken+blinders&ref=:is_s  
 
You have to be careful to use these only temporarily so as to avoid any negative issues (possible starvation issues in some birds, etc.). It might only solve the problem for the time they are on the chicken. I had read an article not long ago about them but I didn't bookmark it, I guess.  
 
Look for some pictures online ("pinless peepers on hens" or "chicken blinders on hens"). Some people have had some fun with them. Haha  
 
Thanks Rubyred! Poultry is a subject that I enjoy.  
 
Edited by Flutterby, 2019-02-28 21:06:27

Some use Ivermectin under the wing and at the tail, then don't use the eggs for a while afterward.  
 
I don't like synthetic chemicals to be around my children or myself, so I rely on the cold (my coops are not heated), and dust baths. It cuts the numbers of bugs each winter. I would like to try sulfur dust because that is supposed to work very well on both lice & mites.  
 
In the US, some keepers use neem oil. Other people use diatomaceous earth (food/livestock grade) in the dust baths. Some use ashes.  
 
I can't remember any other method at the moment.

Shalawoy, I was just reading about scientifically supported medicinal uses for herbs for chickens. I read that you should feed comfrey for feather pecking/vent picking/cannibalism. No dose, just give free choice. It is very healthy for and very tasty to animals and often used as part of forage in various parts of the world.  
 
You can find it in dried form in Winnipeg at Hollow Reed Holistic. You can also order online from them.  
 
I am more impressed with comfrey all the time.