Bess, our silly little Auracana mix, has suddenly (we think it’s sudden, anyway) lost all the feathers on her cheeks and neck. She used to have a little “beard” right there, and now it’s gone. She’s only 7 months old–too early for a molt, yes? Is it possible the other birds are picking on her? She is certainly lowest on the pecking order, although it seems to be a peaceable and, for the most part, non-violent pecking order. But every now and then, especially as they are settling down to bed, Bess gets out of line and gets a peck. I’ve never seen them pull out feathers before, though. Hmmmmm… 
