Have a hen that’s constantly pecking and pulling her own breast feathers. Got a bald patch now.
Not being pecked by others - doing it to herself. Mostly when sitting on the perch.
Is this behavioral or could it be a health issue?
Self-feather pecking can be:
- External parasites - mites, lice causing itching
- Skin condition - fungal infection, dry skin
- Nutritional deficiency - protein, sulfur amino acids
- Behavioral/stress - boredom, anxiety
First step: check closely for parasites. Part the feathers and look at skin. Lice move fast, mites are tiny dots.
If no parasites, try adding protein to diet and ensuring she’s not isolated or stressed.
Had this happen with a hen that was being bullied. She wasn’t being physically attacked much, but the stress made her pull her own feathers.
Moved her to a different section with calmer birds and the behavior stopped.
Check her social situation in the loft.
Boredom is a real cause. Birds in small spaces with nothing to do develop vices.
Does she have a mate? A nest to tend? Something to occupy her?
Some fanciers put “toys” in the loft - mirrors, hanging objects - to give them stimulation. Worth trying.