KellyG8
Chirping
- Mar 20, 2016
- 35
- 7
- 64
Hi! I have six chickens all a year old. My two buff orpingtons are not having this issue, but all four of my SLW seem to be getting these fluffy feathers by their tails.
The beginning: The first girl to get the fluffy tail feathers ended up getting a large bald spot by the base of the tail and after observation I saw many of the other girls, including herself, were pecking at the area. So I increased protein, put an apron on her, and now itsmuch better, but still fluffy. (First picture)
Currently, each SLW has the fluffy tail feathers. A new girl has a bald spot! (second picture) And two others arent being pecked at, but their tail feathers look odd too. (Third picture)
I'm wondering what people think might be causing the fluffy tail feathers - molting? I Have inspected everywhere for lice and mites, even at night - no luck. I don't have a too. They free range all afternoon and there hasn't been any changes in feed. Just want my girls to have their nice feathers back and the picking to end! Thanks for any help!
The beginning: The first girl to get the fluffy tail feathers ended up getting a large bald spot by the base of the tail and after observation I saw many of the other girls, including herself, were pecking at the area. So I increased protein, put an apron on her, and now itsmuch better, but still fluffy. (First picture)
Currently, each SLW has the fluffy tail feathers. A new girl has a bald spot! (second picture) And two others arent being pecked at, but their tail feathers look odd too. (Third picture)
I'm wondering what people think might be causing the fluffy tail feathers - molting? I Have inspected everywhere for lice and mites, even at night - no luck. I don't have a too. They free range all afternoon and there hasn't been any changes in feed. Just want my girls to have their nice feathers back and the picking to end! Thanks for any help!