Chicken bald back

[BridieLou]

We've got three girls, two gingers and a pepperpot. Ailsa, the pepperpot has developed a bald patch on her breast which I'm almost certain she is doing to herself.

 

I clean them out each week (sanitise, water, scrub and dry) and DE their coop regularly. I'll usually de-poo twice a week to keep the tray empty too. They have easibed in their nesting box. In their run they have woodchip and I use Nettex every other week to keep it clean. Basically, i'm pretty sure their coop and run area is as clean as it's going to be! There is no sign of redmite and, when possible, i give them a check for lice. They were de-wormed on Flub 4 weeks ago. They also free range in the garden 5-6 days a week so they rarely have to spend all day in their run.

 

So my question is... If they're louse free and not suffering from boredom, why is she plucking out her own feathers? I gave her a check yesterday and she's really quite bald there (only visible when you pick up and part her feathers), but not sore or red or bleeding at all.

 

Any ideas? Any help greatly appreciated!

[sjp]

moulting,boredom protein deficiency or broody are the 4 that come to mind after you've discounted the rest of your check list

protein deficiency could be if the feed is nearing best before date

moulting and boredom are the most likely, the later could be the main reason with them having to spend so much time cooped up at night, don't totally rule out help by the others in this option

[Cat tails]

Could she be broody? My Dutch bantam Merel plucked all her feathers from her breast and between her legs. Incubates the eggs better