Help!! New Chicken Owner - Hen loosing feathers

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chick-enyouout

chick-enyouout

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Feb 10, 2016
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I have a young Silkie Hen who I recently purchased a month and a half ago. Within the last 2 weeks she has started to loose her feathers. She eats, drinks, and acts normal besides the hair loss. I have also checked her for parasites but I don't see anything. Should I be worried? If so, what do I need to do??
 
There is absolutely nothing to worry about she is just molting and that is the process of loosing there old feathers and then they grow in new feathers in and giving her extra protein will help them grow in faster as there feathers are mostly made of protein so u could just get a small bag of dry cat food and give her a little bit every day for the amount of protein in it
 
Hello,
First, welcome to BYC! I am sorry to hear about your hen, I have never had this issue before but I am sure that some of the people on this forum will be able to offer some advice. It looks like molting to me, but I'm not really an expert. There are a few things that could be besides normal molting such as stress, picking by other chickens, or even mites/ lice. However, if you don't see anything the last may not apply. I know you said you have not seen anything, but have you sat her over a bright white towel or white paper and kinda ruffle her feathers in the affected area- it might be easier to see them against the background. It's probably molting but if it isn't:
You might consider checking out the Emergencies/ Illness thread if others chime in and your question isn't answered. https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures , or even making a post over there. Good luck, I hope all is well with your beautiful silkie.

Doc
 
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I'm sorry I can't tell what I am looking at. Silkies are like old English dogs. I can't tell if that's the front or back of her head. Do you have a rooster with your flock? If there is a roo attempting to breed your hens, they pull our feathers at back of head and their claws cause hair loss at base of tail.
 
Welcome to BYC, it's okay you just have a molting silkie her feathers will grow back in and will look a bit nicer than what they were before, its like a dog or cat in spring or fall, chickens typically molt in fall, but it is completely normal.
 
Hi and welcome to BYC. You seem to have a bit of feedback already, but it will help members if you can respond to the questions that are asked in order for a more definitive answer to be offered. Theres lots of information in the Learning Centre and checking out your state thread will help you link up with BYC members local to you.

All the best
CT
 
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x2 on CTKen...with some answers to the questions asked, it would be easier to say what it may be. Could be one of a few different things, more information would help.
 
I agree as well, molting is completely normal and tends to happen during the colder months, keep an eye on her, give her some extra love, and make sure she's getting enough protein!
 

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