Why are my chickens going bald on their back?
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Overview
If your chickens are going bald on their back, the most common reasons are feather pecking, wear from mating, or parasites such as lice or mites. It can also happen if the birds are rubbing against something in the coop or run. You can often narrow it down by checking the pattern of feather loss and looking closely at the skin.
Things To Check
1. Look at where the feather loss is happening. A bald patch on the back, neck, tail or around the vent can point towards different causes.
2. Check the skin for redness, broken skin, scabs, crusting or tiny moving insects.
3. Look for signs of pecking from other birds, such as broken feathers, sore spots or one bird being singled out.
4. Consider whether your flock includes a cockerel or a heavy mating bird, as repeated mounting can wear feathers away over time.
5. Inspect the coop, perches, nest boxes and fencing for rough edges, tight spaces or anything the bird may be rubbing against.
6. Check whether the bald area is only on one bird or affecting several birds, which can help you work out whether it is an individual issue or a flock problem.
7. Watch for scratching, restlessness, reduced preening or birds avoiding being touched, as these can go with irritation.
Common Causes
Feather pecking is one of the most common causes, especially if the flock is stressed, crowded or bored.
Mating wear can also cause baldness on the back or around the saddle area, particularly in mixed flocks with an active cockerel.
External parasites such as lice or red mite may lead to feather damage, irritation and scabby skin.
Sometimes the cause is simple rubbing from housing, feeders or awkward fittings in the coop.
Less commonly, underlying skin problems or poor overall condition can contribute to feather loss, especially if more than one area is affected.
What To Do
Start by examining the bird closely and checking the rest of the flock. If one bird is being pecked, try to work out which bird is doing it and whether the flock needs more space, enrichment or feeding points.
Make sure the coop is dry, clean and free from sharp edges or rough surfaces that could rub feathers away.
If you find lice, mites or heavy crusting, focus on thorough flock and housing checks, because the problem may involve more than the bird with the bald patch.
Keep an eye on whether the skin stays intact. Small bald areas without soreness are often manageable with good flock observation, but worsening irritation needs closer attention.
If the feather loss keeps spreading, more than one bird is affected, or the skin looks sore or infected, it’s sensible to get veterinary advice.
Products That May Help
Good flock hygiene can make it easier to manage common causes of feather loss and keep a closer eye on the birds and their environment.
Related Questions
Why is one chicken losing feathers around the neck?
How can I tell if chickens have lice or mites?
How do I stop chickens pecking each other?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.