Hi Everyone,
I have noticed that one of my hens has lost a ton of feathers on her back, wings and her tail. On closer examination I could see that the shafts are broken off, so it's not moulting. It's the middle of the winter here in Canada (the low tonight is -20C/-4F) so losing feathers is really bad. I'm trying to decide whether it could be feather pecking, lice or mites. She isn't acting super sick--she's eating and drinking properly--though she is staying inside the coop and not coming out (i think because it's so cold). From observing the flock, it doesn't look like she is getting pecked on, maybe the pecking is happening at night?
I would super appreciate any insight into the situation, I'm really not sure what to do!!
Thanks,
Zoë
I have noticed that one of my hens has lost a ton of feathers on her back, wings and her tail. On closer examination I could see that the shafts are broken off, so it's not moulting. It's the middle of the winter here in Canada (the low tonight is -20C/-4F) so losing feathers is really bad. I'm trying to decide whether it could be feather pecking, lice or mites. She isn't acting super sick--she's eating and drinking properly--though she is staying inside the coop and not coming out (i think because it's so cold). From observing the flock, it doesn't look like she is getting pecked on, maybe the pecking is happening at night?
I would super appreciate any insight into the situation, I'm really not sure what to do!!
Thanks,
Zoë