EMERGENCY----EXTREME Feather Loss

ConnecticutCowgirl

In the Brooder
8 Years
Apr 23, 2011
78
2
48
Hi all,
One of my hens seems to be suffering from major feather loss. Is this molt or lice, or some type of disease? I love this bird, and really want to try and help her get better...
Thanks!
















 
The underneath feathers around vent look matted in the picture which would indicate feather-eating mites. If this is correct, you will need to treat this bird as well as all the birds in the flock. I could be wrong because the picture doesn't zoom clearly on my computer.
 
It would be good to know her age, the age of your other hens, whether any of them have gone through a molt before, whether you have seen any lice upon inspection, and whether you see any sign of redness/swelling that might indicate mites....
 
I checked again. there doesn't appear to be any matted feathers near the vent. Her skin doesn't look incredibly irritated either...
 
She's 2 years and 2 months old... I haven't seen any mites. I have two age groups of hens, some just over a year old, others 2 years and 2 months. There doesn't appear to be much irritation, and I can see new feathers starting to come in.
 
Hard to tell from photos on the chicken, but the coop floor has a lot of feathers there. I would examine closely to make sure no mites or lice. Makes sure no scabs or sores on the featherless areas. Look for new pin = feathers trying to come in the areas of loss - if you see those then IMO it's more likely a molt.
 
She's 2 years and 2 months old... I haven't seen any mites. I have two age groups of hens, some just over a year old, others 2 years and 2 months. There doesn't appear to be much irritation, and I can see new feathers starting to come in.
My post was before this one came up. Sounds like she's molting. If acting, eating normally, just watch to be sure. Expect to be finding feathers in her living areas.
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom