Hen pulling it's feathers out

[skywalker]

I have 3 hens, 2 blackrocks and a bluebell. They are all laying every day are happy and healthy and free range for most of the day. However, one of the blackrocks seems to have pulled it's feathers from it's vent, inside legs and part way up her breast. It's not sore looking, her skin is normal and there's no sign of infestation, she eats well, her poo's are normal and she get's on great with the other two. What is the explanation and should I be worried. The other two have no problems whatsoever. I don't think she's moulting because it seems too early and she's only about 22 weeks old. Can anyone give an explanation?

[lemoniee]

our chickens go mad for feathers when we are clipping their wings the rest of them are chasing around the feathers that drop and eating them! does anyone know why they do this?

[Clare]

Hi
when i first got my silkies one was pulling his feathers out, but when he seemed to settle in this stopped so my only advice would be to make them fell more homely.
As for the chickens eating their own feathers im not quite sure what to say, maybe they believe them to be food eg. white bread
sounds quite silly i know but im just trying to help
clare x






LOL