⠀ Losing feathers and weight

I have a few hens and a rooster that have lost their feathers on their back. One hen and my rooster are pretty bad. Their skin is red and looks like they have been plucking out their feathers. My rooster is losong his feathers on the top of his wing connecting to his back. I grabbed my rooster today and had a look and there were these little mites running around on him. His feathers look really ratty too, he used to be a chunky rooster with glossy white and black feathers. I suspect the same for the hens concerning the mites. The same hen and rooster (both are sussex) have lost some weight. Not sure because of the heat because I just recently lost two from the heat.
Does anyone have suggestions on how to get them to gain weight?
What products are there to help get rid of mites (products in Australia)?
What are good worming products aswell? Wondering if my chooks may have worms aswell.

I feel bad for not acting soon enough. I know there are bullies in the flock that like to pick on others and feathers endup getting pulled out. But now my rooster has it and none ofbthe hens bully my rooster.

Here are is a picture of the sussex hen. I will post more pictures for all of them when my phone charges.

I'd suggest posting this on the "Australia, six states and that funny little island" thread for advice re: mite / worm treatment down under. High protein feed (grower feed) or feed for fowl (i think it has a higher protein content) should help. If you have fewer than 10 hens for your roo, it can lead to over mating and feather loss - I know that may not be the issue right now, but i just thought that i'd put it out there. Vitamin supplements / electrolytes in their water would not do any harm either.

Good luck

CT

It could also be something like feather lice.

You should consult a veterinarian to determine a plan to rid the chickens of the mice and to determine if your hens have worms. Treating the worms when there are no worms creates resistance to the medications. You also need to treat for the right worm. Using a deworming product that is not effective against the type of worms that your chicken may have also creates resistance to the medication. Once you have the parasite problem under control, you can then focus on providing the hens with the necessary nutrition to get them back to a healthy appearance and weight.

I always dust my new chickens with diatom powder when I put them out and provide Feather fixer and the same (NOT POOL) diatomacous earth in the feeder. They do very well. I also dust the bedding, boxes, and perches with it. I used to have your problems too. I hope this helps.

To find products available there, you might try posting on the following thread or better yet, find a good avian vet.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/186559/australians-where-are-you-all

Looks like things are out of control.

DrPatrickBiggs said:

You should consult a veterinarian to determine a plan to rid the chickens of the mice and to determine if your hens have worms. Treating the worms when there are no worms creates resistance to the medications. You also need to treat for the right worm. Using a deworming product that is not effective against the type of worms that your chicken may have also creates resistance to the medication. Once you have the parasite problem under control, you can then focus on providing the hens with the necessary nutrition to get them back to a healthy appearance and weight.

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Thank you for that. We can preach but no one listens.

Hi, thanks for the advice. I would take my chooks to the vet but where I live there is no vet that knows how to treat chooks.

Any vet SHOULD be able to read a fecal sample for worms. They just may not want to. Worms are worms.