fiddleleaffarm
In the Brooder
- May 4, 2023
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I have a “pet quality” silkie (meaning her crest was never a perfect little poof like some silkies!) and she’s looking a bit rough right now. She’s missing some crest feathers (which is not a lot bc there wasn’t a lot there to begin with), and she’s lost most of her beard feathers. Additionally, her chest seems thinner (feather wise). I checked her and everyone else closely for mites/lice. Neck, vent, under feathers, everywhere else too. She is the only one missing feathers and showed zero signs of bugs or nits. Her vent was very clean. Her chest is a little dry/flaky, but looks similar to another hens’ who was broody recently. Also checked the coop. Truly nothing I can see. I disposed of the coop and nest box bedding and dusted with Garden and Poultry Dust before putting new in. Added some of the dust to their in-run dust bath. But worried about dusting the birds if it’s not totally needed? Hen in question is about 10 months old, so wasn’t thinking a molt but could it be a mini molt? Or is it mites/lice after all? I wondered about bullying but haven’t witnessed any toward her. Any feedback is appreciated!! (Last photo is from June for reference, others are from last day or two).