Chicken pecking herself

[Likac66]

Hi, I've had my chickens for just about a year. Today I noticed that one of them has been pecking herself - she has pecked away at the front of her body, directly on her chest. She has a nasty looking red patch already. Also, all 3 of them have been laying less often for the last week. Could it be mites or similar? I would really appreciate any advice on how to work out what's wrong.

Thanks.

[Scarlet]

I think she's probably broody. This time of year it always happens, the feather plucking is to keep her eggs warm and humid. Make sure all the eggs are taken away as soon as possible unless you want a hatch??! There are loads of threads on here re : broody hens, go and have a read. Try to close the nest boxes up at night and set her on a perch, if you try to cool her off underneath it can stop her. Keep turfing her out of her nest box and try not to let her sit for too long. Good luck!